Read About Bird Parasites

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Bird parasites can include both internal and external parasites. By definition, a parasite is an organism that lives on another organism; often the parasite benefits while the host organism suffers in some way. In the case of bird parasites, external parasites are usually more common than internal ones. Imported birds are much more likely to suffer from parasites than domestically raised birds.

Common types of external bird parasites are different species of mites. These can include feather mites, red or gray mites, and cere or knemidocoptic mites. Feather mites damage the bird’s feathers by attacking the feather shafts. Some signs of feather mites include broken or damaged feathers and excessive picking at the feathers. Red and gray mites feed on the skin of the bird and are usually most active at night. This means that nighttime is when you are most likely to see behaviors like excessive scratching. Cere and knemidocoptic mites affect budgies more often than other birds and burrow into the fleshy past above the bird’s beak (the cere). Other affected areas can include the eyelids, legs, feet, and other areas of the face and beak.

Internal bird parasites are usually much harder to recognize and are often only properly diagnosed through blood tests by your vet. Some internal parasites include various types of blood protozoa. These are much more common in imported birds and are rarely seen inImage domestically bred birds. Roundworms can be found in parrots but rarely affect other species. Symptoms of roundworm infection include extreme weight loss and weakness. Giardia is a bird parasite that can infect parakeets and cockatiels causing oily feathers, lethargy and difficulty breathing.

Keeping your bird and her cage clean are important steps to preventing parasite infestation. Before introducing a new bird to your existing cage, always make sure the bird has been completely tested and found to be parasite-free. Check your bird’s food regularly to ensure it is fresh and free from infestation by any insects. Throw out any food that has become moldy or been infested.

Bird parasites, either external or internal, should be properly diagnosed by an avian veterinarian. In the case of suspected internal parasites, your vet may need a sample of the bird’s droppings to test. Internal bird parasites are usually treated through medications. Most often, external bird parasites are dealt with by applying topical treatments like powders or sprays.

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