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Birds--General/budgie illness

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Expert: - 11/20/2006


Question
two of my budgies have got like a crusty growth around their beaks and one has it around his eyes, and feet, I was wondering what is causing it and if it is contagious as I have other birds, have you any idea what it could be?

Answer
Hi, Jenny.  Thanks for posting!

Sounds like scaly mites to me.  Does this area look like human warts?  Pictures are on several websites:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/davehansen/scaly.html
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Health/Dis/scaly.html

Find more information by searching the internet using the search string:  scaly mites

Yes, scaly mites is contagious, as these are parasites.  They will move from one bird to another unless successfully treated.  You need to treat your birds with Ivermectin, which is available from an avian veterinarian (it's a prescription medication).  It only takes 2 treatments:  1 or 2 drops down throat and treat again in about 10 days.  They usually come from outside, such as from tree branches used as perches in bird's cages (when the branches weren't cleaned sufficiently).  

Does this look like what your budgie's have?  If so, contact an avian vet ASAP.  

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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