How to Get Rid of Mites in Budgies

Keeping your budgie healthy and happy is an ongoing process. One threat to your budgie's health is mites. Although mites are a more common problem in birds that are not well cared for, even pampered pets can develop them. Usually, healthy budgies contract them through bedding or bird food that's been contaminated during or prior to being shipped to your home, or by coming in contact with another infected bird. Regardless of how your budgie got the mites, act quickly to get rid of them.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Mite spray
  • Exterminator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the symptoms. Red mites, also known as feather mites, tend to make your bird restless during the night. Also, you will see small specks on your bird's body that are red or gray, and they will move around. If your budgie has leg mites or face mites, they will burrow into your bird's skin, leaving pockmarks on the beak, face or legs, and in extreme instances, the marks may be large. Contact your vet to determine if an exam is necessary at this time.

    • 2

      Clean your budgie's cage thoroughly. Wash the entire cage using bleach and water. Use a 1/4 cup bleach for every gallon of water. Rinse the cage thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely. You can also soak any toys in the bleach mixture and then rinse them thoroughly. However, do not soak wooden toys and perches. Wood will absorb the bleach which can be dangerous to your budgie. Instead, throw these toys away and purchase new ones.

    • 3

      Use a mite spray on your budgie. Mite sprays can be purchased at your local pet supply store. Follow the package directions for the spray. Continue to monitor your bird's symptoms over the next several days. If at any time symptoms worsen or do not improve, contact your vet to schedule an exam. Your vet will determine the specific type of mites that are present and the extent of infestation. He will then provide you will a specific treatment regimen.

    • 4

      Use the mite spray to spray your carpeting as well. If your mite problem persists, consider contacting a professional exterminator for treatment. If you choose to use an exterminator, keep your budgie out of your home until the smell of the pesticides is completely gone to ensure it is safe to return the bird to your home.