Bugs! Can they get on US?

ScissorChick · Apr 9, 2011

My birds have mites/lice. We're treating them, but my parents are worried

about US getting the bugs. Is it possible for the bugs the chickens have,

to get on us? Or SURVIVE on us anyways?

Thanks,
ScissorChick

Judy · Apr 9, 2011

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

This Ohio U article says they are species specific and cannot be transferred to humans.

GallusGal · Apr 9, 2011

Yup, ddwan is correct. Bird lice/mites are specialized and cannot survive long off of the host chicken. Sure, they'll crawl around on you a bit and make you feel pretty gross, but as far as infesting your scalp, there is no need to worry. If you have any caged brids in the house, however, you CAN transmit them, so just be sure to take a good shower before interacting with any parrots/finches/etc.

sourland · Apr 9, 2011

They will get on you as anyone who has cleaned out a blue bird house can attest to; however, they will not stay and "live" on you. Uncomfortable as all get out while they are visiting though.