Mites
Red Mites (Dermanyssus gallinae)
Red mites, also known as feather mites, are only active at night. A bird with an infestation will be restless at night and sleep during the day, when the mites hide in crevices in the cage, equipment and the surrounding area. Treatment for red mites involves the cage and its environment and not the bird.
Air Sac Mites (Sternostoma tracheacolum)
Air sac mites affect the whole of the respiratory system. Mild infections may not show any symptoms, but heavy infestation will result in sneezing, tail bobbing (a bird’s way of catching their breath) and rasping, open mouthed breathing.
Scaly Face / Leg Mites (Cnemidocoptes pilae)
Leg mites have different symptoms in different birds. In the budgie, symptoms include white porous crusts on the mouth, beak and eyelids. Other birds will suffer from a long smooth crust on the surfaces of their toes.
If you think your bird is suffering from mite infestation, take him to the vet immediately.
