What kind of mite, how do i kill them?

[cochinGurl]

Hello, I have a small flock of a few pigeons and two babies just getting the last of their feathers. For quite some time now i have had a problem with parasites on the feathers of my birds. They are about a centimeter or less long and are kind of yellow/grain colored. They are long and thin. I have dusted the whole flock with food grade diatamacious earth sevral times. after that there are less of them for a while, but they never totaly go away. they look like they itch, and enough is enough. Any info on what these are and how i can free my birds of them would be awesome. thanks so much!

 

[Fergason]

Hi. I use frontline spray that you can use on cats and dogs on my chickens, and it seems to work really well for getting rid of fleas, ticks, mites, and lice! If you do use it take a swab and and put a bit under their wings, and maybe some behind their neck, and maybe on their back! But not too much! If you do get I hope it works good for you!

 

[hookedonpigeons]

I use hartz flea and tick spray for small dogs on my pigeons.Just spray under their wings and on their vent.It keeps them clean for about 2-3 weeks then i spray again.Also,put some diatamacious earth on the shaving in there pen.That should help.

Thanks,
Logan

 

[cochinGurl]

Thank you so much for the advise! can i get that frontline at like a feed store or so i order it on the internet?

 

[Fergason]

Either one, i've seen it in some farm stores, it depends wich is usually cheaper. Goodluck with all!

 

[Spaceglider8]

I've used Ivermectin drops but you MUST be very careful with it, you can poison a bird if you give them too much. Theres usually someone in a local pigeon club if you have one that has the right instructions on how to do it on the skin also, instead of giving it to them orally, but I have not tried that. You might contact the American Pigeon Association or someone in one of the breed associations like Modenas. I've never had Diatom earth do much but make dust and a mess...the chickens liked it though.

 

[cmgn9712]

They are feather lice. Instead of messing around with stuff for chickens or whatever go to a pigeon supply company like Foy's and get a product safe to use on pigeons. They are not really harmful except they eat holes in the feathers .