Is Vegetable Oil Good for Scaly Feet in Budgies?

Bird lovers worry about the deformation and discomfort that their budgerigars, or budgies, experience during a scaly feet infestation. Some owners may consider treating with vegetable oil, which some experts say is an effective treatment for scaly feet in budgies.

  1. Definition

    • Veterinarian Holly Nash advises that scaly foot in budgies or parakeets stems from skin parasites of the genus Knemidokoptes in the legs and feet. Known in common terms as tassel foot or mange, it can also affect the face and beak. Avian Web reports that "scaly leg mites bore under the scales on the legs of the bird...enlarge, get rough and become infected."

    Diagnosis

    • According to Dr. Nash, budgie owners should look for "scaly gray or white crusty lesions on the nonfeathered skin, especially on the legs, feet, and around the beak" if they suspect their bird may be experiencing parasitical mites. Avian Web notes that scaly feet can also cause lameness.

    Treatment

    • Several medicated options are available from bird dealers or veterinarians, but vegetable oil is a non-medicated solutions. Avian Web offers a breeder testimonial that lining the cage with vegetable oil-soaked seeds coated the birds' legs and feet and suffocated the mites. Alternatively, Budgie Place recommends rubbing the vegetable oil on the infected area twice a day, in addition to disinfecting the cage thoroughly before starting treatment and again when the infection clears up.