Scaly Face Mites – Know the signs!

When it comes to our avian friends, Tuckers Pet & Produce is equipped with the best range of health supplies, nutritional support and environmental assistance products.

We usually can help prevent ill health of our birds with proper measures and support and below is an article from Vetafarm on a very common parasite that affects the avian family.

Scaly Face Mites are a very displeasing bug found commonly in Budgerigars, but which can invade any bird. These mites tunnel into your birds leaving in their wake a thick, scaly, crusty residue. If you suspect your bird might be infected by Scaly Face Mite you should consult your vet immediately.

Pet Risk

High! The damage it causes to the tissue can be extremely painful. If left untreated these burrowing mites will cause severe deformities of the beak, to the point that eating and drinking become very difficult and birds can actually starve to death.

A Healthy Cere

The cere is the tissue above the beak of the budgerigar. A healthy cere is smooth and hard, the nostrils are open and there are no signs of any abnormalities. The cere of male budgerigars is blue while female budgies have brown/tan ceres.

Counter Measures

Burrowing mites are harmless to humans, however the mites are highly contagious to birds and any infection must be contained! You can only do this by treating all the birds in your aviary.

Vetafarm’s Avimec is a highly effective treatment against Scaly Face Mite and is simple to administer. Treating this mite may require patience, depending on the condition of the bird and severity of the infestation. It can be as simple as applying Avimec and keeping on track with treatments – if you do this you’ll subdue this despicable mite with little hassle.

These mites only live on the body, so it is not necessary to treat the cage with a mite spray – If you need to spray your aviaries with an insecticide, use a product formulated to be safe such as Avian Insect Liquidator.

For Avimec and other Vetafarm products to help prevent and combat nasty avian parasites, shop at Tuckers Pet & Produce stores or online at www.tuckersstore.com.au