A variety of parasites can be found in finches.Depending on the type of parasites and the overall health of the bird, these can range from mildly annoying to deadly for finches.Seek appropriate veterinary care if you see the signs of insect problems in finches.Good hygiene can eliminate parasites.There are steps you can take to prevent parasites from entering your environment.
Step 1: Your finches have skin on their legs and faces.
The scaly leg mite is one of the most common types of mite in finches.There may be a mite in these areas.The mites cause the skin to look honeycomb-like.The scales are grayish in color.The finch may have long scales on their feet.Finches with infections may be restless or have difficulty perching.
Step 2: Irritated, itching, and excessive preening can be seen in finches.
The parasites of the feathers and skin can act restless and uncomfortable.Lice and mites can cause scratching and excessive preening of the feathers, if they bite and irritate the skin.It is possible that the condition of your finches feathers is a clue.Hair loss and breakage of the feathers can be caused by Lice.Baldness can be a result of a stressed finch.
Step 3: Examine the skin and feathers of your finches.
You may be able to see the eggs and parasites on a finch if it is infested with lice.If you catch a finch with a suspected infection, gently lift the feathers with your finger.There are small white nits attached to the lower parts of the feathers.
Step 4: It's a good idea to check your finches for red mites at night.
Red bloodsucking mites are nocturnal parasites that hide in dark areas during the day, then emerge at night to bite their prey.They can be dangerous to sick or elderly hatchlings.You can see red mites on your finches skin or feathers.Red mites are not likely to be found on your birds during the day.If you want to check for tiny brown or red specks in the morning, drape a white cloth over the cage at night.Finches with red mites may be restless at night.They could also become depressed.
Step 5: If you have Gouldian finches, check for respiratory symptoms.
Gouldian finches are vulnerable to air sac mite.The mites live in the upper respiratory tract of Gouldian finches.Airsac mites can be fatal if they are not treated.There are some symptoms that may indicate an air sac mite in a finch.The beak is open.It's called tail-bobbing.The voice has problems.A finch may stop singing or lose its voice.
Step 6: You should consult your vet if you suspect an issue.
An avian vet can help you determine the type of parasites that are killing your finches.Depending on the severity of the problem, your finches may need to be treated at the vet's office.For most types of insects, your vet will give you a spray or dust that you can apply at home.ivermectin is an oral medication that is effective for eliminating a wide variety of parasites.Follow your vet's instructions for administering these medications.Your vet may need to give you an injection of anti-parasitic medication if you have a Gouldian finch.
Step 7: Administer the sprays according to your vet's instructions.
pyrethrin, carbaryl dust or spray are effective for treating many types of mites.The treatment may need to be repeated several times.The treatment of pyrethrin or carbaryl should be repeated once every few weeks in order to eliminate batches of newly hatched lice.Pesticides are used to treat the birds and their cage.
Step 8: If your vet recommends it, use it.
It is possible to apply pesticide treatments directly to the finch's skin.It is recommended that you only apply the medications with your vet's recommendation and instruction.Ivermectin can be applied directly to the skin with a dropper.Ivermectin can be used to treat many types of mites.Plant oil and antibiotic creams can be used to treat the skin affected by the mite.Birds' ability to regulate their body temperature can be affected by the excessive use of creams and oils.
Step 9: If your vet prescribes oral medication, give it.
Air sac mites and other serious parasites can often be eliminated with oral treatments.The finches add oral medications to their drinking water.If you are trying to treat a large group of birds, this is an especially useful approach.
Step 10: Thoroughly wash and clean your finches habitat.
It is important to eliminate sources of infections for your birds and finches when treating external parasites.This is important for the control of red mites, which leave their hosts during the day and hide in dark areas.After the cage has been cleaned and disinfected, replace the nest, perches, and toys with new ones.While your finches are being treated, wash and treat the cage with bird-safe pesticides like pyrethrin or carbaryl.Dust or spray new perches with bird-safe pesticides before putting them in the cage.Don't spray anything that is in the cage with the finches.
Step 11: You should clean your finches cage every now and then.
Even if your finches are free of parasites, you should keep their environment clean and sanitary.If you want to clean the cage, use hot water and a bird-safe disinfectant.It's a good idea to wash food and water dishes with hot soapy water.The paper lining at the bottom of the cage needs to be changed every day.The cage, perches, and accessories should be cleaned weekly.
Step 12: For observation, isolated new birds.
For at least 60 days, keep a new finch separate from the rest of the group.There are signs of illness or parasites.If possible, get the new bird checked by a vet before it's in the flock.
Step 13: Allow your birds to bathe.
The fastidious birds enjoy both grooming and bathing.Provide shallow water baths for your birds.If there are hatchlings in the cage, the bath should be removed at night.To clean the bath container, use hot, soapy water.