What is it and how do we deal with it?

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Scaly face mite (Knemidokoptes pilae) in the pet budgerigar is a common problem, with severe infestations often spreading to the entire face, beak and even feet and legs of affected birds. As the mite is endemic to the budgerigars environment, separating the affected bird in the early stages is not always necessary but can facilitate healing by reducing stress on the bird if other aviary birds are picking on the affected bird or bullying it from eating or drinking. Advanced stages of infestation of this disease are contagious to other birds in the nest or aviary.

 

The “coral like” appearance is caused by the tiny mites burrowing into the horn tissue of the beak or into the skin and feeds on skin particles. The mite is often naturally present in the birds environment from the time they leave the nest box, it tends to be dormant until the host bird is affected by weakness, illness or stress. The mites tiny burrowing tunnels destroy the skin, and the scaled growths that appear are the bird’s defence mechanism. The greyish film that shows up first can harden like scales and form welts and protrusions. In the initial stages this disorder bothers a budgerigar very little. Often the hardened growths fall off by themselves and they are not always followed by other symptoms.

 

Best preventions against a scaly face mite outbreak since the mite tends to affect birds of poor health, stress or general weakest condition it is vital to monitor the overall health of your birds. By feeding a clean, high quality food, adding a multivitamin supplement to the drinking water. Always provide fresh greens (vegetables) such as green peas in the shell, endive, carrot, spinach. We will post a list later of what fresh things you can and cant feed your birds, remember birds do not thrive on birdseed alone! Treat the birds cage with a mite and lice spray at least every 3 months. Make sure your birds are also wormed at this time as worms can reduce their overall health making them a more likely target for infestation.

 

Make sure that none of the medication gets near the eyes, nostrils or mouth. If the feet are effected, promptly remove the band if possible, because the legs tend to swell, causing the band to cut off circulation. This disease is also contagious to other birds in the nest or aviary. Some say the oils is the best remedy but we use Dettol with good success if caught early. The oil should soften the scaly part which may fall off and then a good disinfectant like Dettol can be used.

 

Some solutions for a severe mite problem are Ivermectin (a cattle drenching product – it is very potent and should be initially administered by an experienced vet), it is quite expensive and is often only available in its concentrated form from vets or livestock/rural stores. Dettol disinfectant full strength can be used for mild cases of mites on the legs and cere (nostrils) and for disinfecting . Dab it on using a cotton bud. Never put Dettol near or in the eyes or ears.  Some oils such as mineral oil or baby oil can also be used as the oil will kill the mites and soften the skin (Again try to avoid the eyes and ears and inside the beak, as budgies don’t often like being held and treated they will often try to bite the cotton bud so this can be difficult, try distracting the bird by giving them a dry cotton bud to bite while you treat). In time the dry crusty area will come off. Dettol is best as it is an oily disinfectant to prevent infection, while the oil kills the mites and softens the dry tissue so it can fall off in time.

 

The only way to prevent mites from re-occurring if they do, is to disinfect the entire cage, food utensils, toys, etc. If more than one bird is present you must treat them all even if only one seems affected. Dettol is also a good disinfectant to clean the cage and dishes. Perches and toys should be boiled or soaked in bleach and rinsed clean with fresh water and let dry before placing back in cage.Treatment for scaly leg is the same as scaly face above. You can use Dettol disinfectant, mineral oil, baby oil, Ivermectin based treatments. If the feet are effected, promptly remove the band if possible, because the legs tend to swell, causing the band to cut off circulation.

 

Reccomended products from our store related to this article

 

Vetafarm Avimec - Avimec is a topical ‘drop on’ liquid for the treatment of Scaly Face Mite (Knemidokoptes pilae) in budgerigars, it is is for external use only and is safe to use in conjunction with food additives and supplements and with other oral medications.

 

Vetafarm Soluvet Liquid - Liquid vitamin supplement with iodine for addition to water or soft foods. Contains 13 essential vitamins to support birds on seed diets. Readily absorbed in the gut and easily administered on soft food or in water.

 

Vetafarm Spark Liquid - A vitamin and electrolyte supplement ideal for helping budgerigars that have suffered a severe infestation and related health decline, it can help increase appetite and give the bird a reserve to fight back from the stress of disease.

 

F10 Veterinary Disinefectant - Use after treating an infection to help prevent reinfestation and spread of the disease.