Bird mites?

17 years ago

I keep a white dove as a pet. It lives outdoors in a cage unless it gets too cold, and then I take it in at night.

I noticed a very small, long black thing on it today, and the black thing disappeared into the feathers. Would this be a mite? If so, how would I treat the bird? I can ask at the pet store, but I really like to get some "real world" advice before I try anything.

Thanks.

Susan

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Meghane
17 years ago
In the "real world," when an animal gets sick, you take it to the vet, not call a pet store.

Mites are generally microscopic to very tiny and difficult to see, and none of them are long. It's not a mite. Don't know what it is, but the vet will be able to tell you during the physical exam.

PS- living in a cage 24/7 is no life for a bird of any type.
annzgw
17 years ago
You need to find an avian vet if at all possible. Like meghane said, what you saw isn't a mite.
Are you sure you didn't see part of a feather or the feather shaft?
Related Professionals
Cherry Hill Architects & Building Designers · San Antonio Architects & Building Designers · San Diego Architects & Building Designers · Sarnia Architects & Building Designers · Miami Interior Designers & Decorators · Charlotte Interior Designers & Decorators · Clarksville Interior Designers & Decorators · Des Moines Interior Designers & Decorators · Sault Ste. Marie Interior Designers & Decorators · Eau Claire Interior Designers & Decorators · Cape Coral Furniture & Accessories · Meridian Furniture & Accessories · Anderson Furniture & Accessories · Waco Furniture & Accessories · Casper Furniture & Accessories
Elly_NJ
17 years ago
It sounds like a hippoboscid, or a "flat fly." They are external parasites, and can be treated with avian mite spray, bought in pet stores.

No big deal, but icky and you want them gone.
socks
Original Author
17 years ago
OK Meghane, your post was unnecessarily critical and has brought out my defensive side!! :-) I posted here for help with a health problem for the bird and did not ask your opinion about whether you approve of my keeping the bird in a cage or not. That said....

You know many problems with pets can be treated with products from pet stores. I have nothing against taking the bird to a vet as he has been a pet for at least 10 years, and I do take care of him. He has as good a life as a caged bird can have and receives daily attention.

The white doves kept as pets are purchased at pet stores where they are crowded in inappropriate cages. It is sickening to see. My dove is in a roomy cage and is well take care of. What would you suggest I do with him, release him so he can be free? He would last less than one day.

Thank you, Elly. I'll try that and will take the bird to a vet if it doesn't work.
annzgw
17 years ago
I found, in the past, that products for treatment of parasites on pigeons, doves and chickens can often be found at feed stores. Of course, how knowledgeable the staff is will vary from store to store!

Good catch elly........I'd never heard of that parasite.

According to the site below, they do suck the blood from the feather shaft and are hosts for protozoans.

Here is a link that might be useful: louse fly
Elly_NJ
17 years ago
May I say that I agree with Meghane about turning to vets, as opposed to pet stores? I happen to know about flat flies from my copious experience with them (10 years at a wild bird rehabilitation center). But I am all for getting professional help, as opposed to asking the kid at the pet store.

I also am all for giving birds room to fly.