Pigeon lice???

[SergeantSniffle]

I noticed some small long light brown bugs on one of my pigeons a while ago and I pulled them off and now there's dozens of them on all 18 of my birds! I'm wondering how to treat this lol they don't seem to be harming them at all I think they're eating the powder they produce and not the feathers or blood which is good. Also I'm wondering if they'll spread to my chickens or doves but I think they're oil feathered birds and not powder? I don't know lol thanks!

 

[peeper89]

u need get rid of them bugs

 

[SergeantSniffle]

Yeah I know they're gross but I can't figure out how like everything I google ends up being for wing mites and like you can't dip their head and neck into a solution like that so.. like the only place the bugs are are on their neck

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi.

I hate bugs on my birds!

I don't know what those are... but Permethrin spray works VERY well. It is safe, effective and affordable, and has a residual effect. If organic is important to you look for Spinosad or Elector PSP, they are pyrethrum based and a bit pricier. Permethrin is the synthetic version.

I have used it for lice and mites on my birds. My original bottle was bought as "horse fly spray" to keep mosquitoes off my goats. But I found it was labeled for poultry. There is no requirement for egg withdrawal if used according to directions. For my chickens, I just give a squirt between parted feathers at the nape of the neck, under each wing, and near the vent. For my chicks, I spritz a cotton ball and dab the back of their heads or wherever I feel is appropriate. I got mine at the feed store for around $10 in a window cleaner type spray bottle and it has lasted more than a year, with an average of 60+ birds, 2 goats, and 3 dogs. It is sold in concentrates for even less under names like Gordon's. It will treat MOST parasites... though not the systemic ones like depluming mites or scaly leg mites effectively.

I don't use more often than needed because insects can build a resistance to it.

For chickens, there are a few different types of lice. I believe they are head lice, body lice, and feather lice. Interestingly enough, the head lice stay only in the head area!

I am unfamiliar with pigeons, and those don't look like what I think of as lice. They look like they have wings. And I would think lice would be closer to the body, under the feathers... but I'm definitely no expert, and here to learn just like everybody else. And different species do have different aspect. Seems like the permethrin MAY have been toxic to cats specifically so be careful if you have cats.

Hope this is helpful!

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Did you ever figure out what these little nasties are? Someone I know has pigeons that they unfortunately don't take the best care of. I look in on them but can't afford to take them on as my own.
Today I saw these same creepy crawlies on a very thin young pigeon. If I have something I can treat with I will.
But what?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Did you ever figure out what these little nasties are? Someone I know has pigeons that they unfortunately don't take the best care of. I look in on them but can't afford to take them on as my own.
Today I saw these same creepy crawlies on a very thin young pigeon. If I have something I can treat with I will.
But what?

Permethrin works on most surface bugs. It's sold in concentrate for under $10 or about that price for the "horse fly spray" pump bottle that has the same active ingredient.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I have sevin dust but that seems rough. I also have Elector PSP if that would work. I feel bad for the birds but they really aren't mine. The one I saw bugs on isn't doing well. I've seen several shake like they have the shivers.
I know their loft could use a good cleaning. They would benefit from better food too. Poor things.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Elector PSP is the organic (and more expensive version) of permethrin. It should totally work!

I feel ya, feel for them!
Your kindness will come back to you 10 fold.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Chicken strength Elector PSP is 1 oz per 5 gallons of water.
If my math is correct that's 6 ml to 1 gallon.
Is that to strong? I figure a gallon will treat my chicken coop, the pigeon loft and the pigeons. LOL
This is the little one I can tell needs serious help. I've been trying to throw some of my feather fixer chicken feed their way too.

 

[SergeantSniffle]

They actually went away on their own sort of, I just provided them with bath water constantly and they disappeared over time. Also they showered in the rain, but I don't know if that does anything. Now they're molting too so yeah I don't know.