Bird Mites — Identification, Treatment & Prevention

Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) feed on birds at night and can cause severe anemia, feather damage, and death — yet they are often missed because they hide in cage crevices during the day.

## Types of Mites Affecting Pet Birds

Red Mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) — Nocturnal
The most dangerous mite species. They live in cage cracks, perches, and nestboxes during the day and emerge at night to feed. Heavy infestations cause severe anemia. Identify by placing white paper in the cage overnight — moving red or gray specks confirm infestation.

Air Sac Mites (Sternostoma tracheacolum)
Infest the respiratory tract. Cause chronic respiratory distress, voice changes, and can be fatal. Most common in canaries, finches, and gouldians.

Scaly Face Mites (Knemidocoptes pilae)
Burrow into the skin around the beak and cere, causing characteristic honeycomb-patterned crusty lesions. Most common in budgerigars. Highly treatable with topical ivermectin.

## Signs of Mite Infestation

- Restlessness and scratching at night
- Pale mucous membranes (anemia from red mite feeding)
- Feather damage or bare patches
- Crusty lesions around beak/cere
- Audible respiratory sounds (air sac mites)
- Weight loss and lethargy

## Cage Disinfection Protocol

Remove the bird. Dismantle and scrub all cage components. Apply an avian-safe mite spray. Allow to dry thoroughly before returning the bird. Repeat after 7 days to break the life cycle.