Cockatiel Lice

Cockatiels that spend all of their time indoors rarely contract bird lice, but those that spend time outside or live in an outdoor aviary are susceptible to lice. There are products that claim to prevent lice and mites, but veterinarians rarely suggest using them as they could be more dangerous to the bird than lice.

  1. Identifying Lice

    • Lice are generally elongated in shape and can be seen under magnification on the underside of a cockatiel's wing or tail. Lice are usually found on or near the feather shaft.

    Threat

    • Lice are usually not very harmful to birds. Bird lice eat small portions of the feather, only leading to a serious problem if left unchecked.

    Treatment

    • Cockatiels that are suspected of having lice should be taken to an avian veterinarian for treatment. The veterinarian will usually prescribe a medicated spray or powder to be applied every 10 days for 40 or 50 days.

    Spread

    • Bird lice are species specific. Lice that have been found on cockatiels will not spread to other birds, pets or humans, but it is still a good idea to have all birds in the home checked by an avian veterinarian.

    Additional Precautions

    • Even though bird lice complete their life cycle on the feathers of their host bird, it is still a good idea to disinfect a cockatiel's cage after they have been diagnosed with lice.