This is a contagious parasitic infection of the eyelids, cere and legs of budgies and may also affect the feet and toes. The mites feed on the dead tissues of the skin, causing severe irritation and eventually crusty, whitish-grey scaling. Sometimes only one side of the face and the adjacent cere may be affected. Budgies with this condition may try to scratch the affected area and rub their faces.
Scaly face mites are tiny and hard to see, and they can easily spread to other budgies in the same cage or aviary.
Treatment:
Isolating the affected bird is the first course of action to prevent the spread of mites to healthy budgies. If caught early, scaly face mites can be treated effectively at home with dedicated topical treatments. Treatment will often require regular application of insecticide sprays, ointments or powders to smother and/or kill the mites. Petroleum jelly or olive oil can also help to soften and remove the scales and relieve irritation.
In severe cases, the application of Ivermectin may be necessary under veterinary supervision.
After successful treatment, the cage and all accessories must be thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant to ensure the mites are removed.
Scaly face mites are preventable in the first place; maintain a clean, uncluttered cage and environment, and avoid contact with wild birds.