How to Treat Parrot Mites With Olive Oil

The species of mite that burrows into parrots' legs and the areas around their beaks is known as the scaly face mite. It affects different species of parrots differently, but in all cases, the bird is at risk of loosing its beak completely and suffering crippling deformities. Oil applications fill the mite-bored holes and suffocate the mite. Olive oil also softens the skin and soothes the itching caused by the mites.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats (unsalted safflower or sunflower seed)
  • Towel
  • 6 craft sticks soaked in 100 percent fruit juice
  • Olive oil
  • Saucer
  • Plastic bowl
  • Cotton ear cleaners
  • Cotton balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pour 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil in the center of the saucer. Place the ear swabs and cotton balls in the plastic bowl and place these items in a quiet, well lit room along with a few juice-soaked craft sticks in a cup. Your workstation is now ready.

    • 2

      Unfold the towel, tuck one end into the front of your shirt and let the other end hang down like an extra long bib. This keeps the towel ready while leaving your head and hands free.

    • 3

      Remove the parrot from the cage and offer it a treat. Lean the parrot's back against your chest, gently pull the middle of the towel up and around the bird and offer another treat. Give it lots of praise for being cooperative.

    • 4

      Take the bird into the quiet room set aside as your workstation, cradle the bird in your lap and offer a treat to help it get comfortable.

    • 5

      Hold the bird in one hand and pick up one ear cleaner with your free hand. Dab a small amount of oil onto the cotton tip and gently smooth a light application of oil to the skin area around the beak without allowing any of the oil to touch the nasal passages of the bird.

    • 6

      Offer a juice-soaked craft stick to keep the parrot busy so it won't chew at the ear cleaners while you work.

    • 7

      Offer the parrot a treat or juice-soaked craft stick if it continues to allow you to work.

    • 8

      At this point, allow the bird to stretch and relax for about an hour. It will most likely be hot from being wrapped up or stressed from being toweled.

    • 9

      Rewrap the bird and offer it a another treat for trusting you with a towel. Take the bird into a quiet room with your supplies ready and offer a treat.

    • 10

      Cradle the bird into your lap, offer a treat or the edge of the towel for it to chew on. Dab a small bit of olive oil onto a cotton ball and apply a light layer of oil over the bird̵7;s legs and feet. Offer a treat after each leg as well as after each foot has been oiled.

    • 11

      Allow the bird to stand up and stretch and offer lots of praise for cooperating.

    • 12

      Reapply the olive oil every other day or as directed by a veterinarian.