Feather mites?

[Silkiechicken66]

So this is my first time owning pigeons. There are black lines on their feathers, tiny holes, and what looks like eggs around the bases?

What is it and how can I treat it? I haven’t seen them eating at all, but they are still drinking.

 

[biophiliac]

So this is my first time owning pigeons. There are black lines on their feathers, tiny holes, and what looks like eggs around the bases?

What is it and how can I treat it? I haven’t seen them eating at all, but they are still drinking.

Because of the eggs, I'm thinking feather lice and for either lice or mites a permethryn spray is probably quickest treatment. Still I'm not sure so I'd google it to confirm.
I don't think feather lice or mites would cause a loss of appetite so maybe check for other causes. How long have you had these birds?

 

[biophiliac]

 

[Silkiechicken66]

Because of the eggs, I'm thinking feather lice and for either lice or mites a permethryn spray is probably quickest treatment. Still I'm not sure so I'd google it to confirm.
I don't think feather lice or mites would cause a loss of appetite so maybe check for other causes. How long have you had these birds?

I’ve had them for about a month now. Would DE work on the lice? I found some in my shed.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I’ve had them for about a month now. Would DE work on the lice? I found some in my shed.

No

 

[biophiliac]

No

x2.

I’ve had them for about a month now. Would DE work on the lice? I found some in my shed.

A box of 20 Mule Team Borax is very cheap and you can bathe them in that if you can't get the permethryn spray.

Since you've only had them a month, I suspect the previous owner's husbandry practices were not great. You probably want to think about worming them too, especially since you mentioned they aren't eating well.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

No

I’ve used it for my chickens and it’s worked, does it not go well for pigeons?

 

[SurferchickinSB]

I’ve used it for my chickens and it’s worked, does it not go well for pigeons?

I’ve just always heard it does not work for infestations. I have a bottle of elector PSP in case I ever have to deal with that. You can try the diatomaceous earth if that is all you have. Let me know if it works.

 

[biophiliac]

I’ve used it for my chickens and it’s worked, does it not go well for pigeons?

If you do use it, be sure the pigeons don't breathe any in. It could harm their lungs.

 

[Silkiechicken66]

I very carefully sprinkled it around their wings and bums. I took it on the end of my finger and rubbed it under their chin, making sure no dust flew around. I will try to get borax whenever I go to the store next.