There are many different kinds of mites and lice which live on birds as
their natural hosts. The biting grey lice live on the scales of the
bird's skin, feet and legs, or upon its feathers. Red mites suck the
blood of the host and generally leave the bird in daylight and return to
it at night. The biting lice seldom leave the bird, and are most
difficult to find. They are sometimes removed when the bird combs out
his feathers with his beak. Red mites are more easily located. Place a
white cloth over the cage at night, and if the mites are present, they
will be found as little red specks on the cloth in the morning. Run a
hot iron over the cloth to destroy them.
Lice cause discomfort and weaken the bird. The one rule to follow in
correcting the condition is routine and complete cleanliness. Dismantle
the cage and stand, and scrub every part thoroughly with a hot, strong
suds. Dust the bird with a good lice powder and see that it is allowed
to bathe regularly. This program may not rid the bird of lice completely
or all at once, but it will keep the number of lice below the danger
point.
In aviaries where many birds are housed in a special room, a poultry
type spraying technique can be used effectively along with regular
cleaning practice. We will be glad to make suggestions if you write us
about your specific problem.