so, I've got this bird now and...

[Bug n Flock]

Artemis: AKA Patriot Pigeon.
Landed on my flag and I just had to take photos.

 

[Bug n Flock]

Miss Thang got curious what I was doing while cleaning rat cages.

 

[LamarshFish]

I would not mix her in with your other bird. Pigeons should even be kept separate from other pigeons from other lofts, as they are immune to certain things and carry other things that they do not get sick from, but other birds can get sick from.

If you ever did feel inclined to get the two birds together, I would only do so after a vet screens both birds. Deworm, vaccinate, etc.

 

[biophiliac]

Awww, miss my pet ratties. The black one looks like my 'Lizzy',

 

[Bug n Flock]

So, problem. I noticed Artie has these long little bugs all over her. I was holding her yesterday for a few minutes when I noticed them on her and kinda freaked out. Put her away and checked myself over and sure enough: at least 5 of the things were on me. Ew. Pigeon lice. Help, please. What do? How disturbed should I be as I am reading that they can nibble people and leave a nasty rash. Should I treat my other bird? He has been on a separate floor of the house and they only were in the same general area twice(when I brought Artie upstairs immediately after getting her, and once when she followed me down the stairs before I shoo'd her back to the third floor). I would like not to have to treat him if possible. Should I be concerned for them hopping to the rat colony? The third floor is my "observation space" so to speak, so I have animals of particular interest or of medical concern there... Currently some animals I'm studying genetic hairlessness on, a couple of babies with stubbed tails from an early life incident, one who suffered severe malnutrition as a young baby, and a line of rats with a condition very similar to schizophrenia in humans. I'd like to avoid them being infected with lice.

I haven't let her out yet this morning, she seems quite displeased. I'm planning a TSC run later today for rabbit pellets, anything I can pick up there to nip this little issue in the bud?

 

[Hokum Coco]

Pigeon lice. Help, please.

 

[JaeG]

Vetafarm also do a spray if you need to dose your cockatiel. It's called Avian Insect Liquidator and it's safe to use on newly hatched finch chicks, has a residual protection of up to 6 weeks. Poor birdy!

 

[Bug n Flock]

Thanks, guys. Yeah I just feel so awful for her. If she has enough they hopped to me after only a few minutes of handling, I can only imagine how bad she's got it.

 

[JaeG]

Hopefully they haven't made it to your rats. I think lice are more species specific but if you do need to treat them use Ivermectin or Revolution flea treatment. You'll find the dosage instructions online.

 

[Bug n Flock]

OK, so TSC didn't have borax. Weird. But I got Premythrin(or however it is spelled). both powder and a liquid form. Any advice? Also, I am leaving town for a few days starting tomorrow morning. Should I wait to treat her when I get back and can keep an eye on her, or should I go for it today so the problem doesn't get worse?