Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 3/12/2007

Question
o
thats what you were talking about
my keet is actually 3 years old so i doubt it if its about his age. i saw
yesterday that the black dots had moved near his eye. there were a tiny bald
spot were the black dots were but 15 min. later the bald spot was covered by
feathers.i never did see the black dots move around, bit they had moved near his
eye somehow. also, im wondering why i cant spray my keet with mitesw and lice
spray.


Answer
Hi again, Katelyn.

I don't know what these black dots could be based on the information you've provided.  I've kept keets for over 18 years and have never seen anything like you mention.  If they are some type of bug/parasite, I'd have to know more about them in order to tell you what to do about them.

You shouldn't use a product on your bird until you know what you're treating first of all (obviously it isn't working).  Usually, the lice and mite sprays you can buy are worthless mainly because parrots don't get lice and most don't usually get mites except for keets who can get scaly face mites on their legs/feet (which are treated with Ivomec).  Lastly, spraying anything near your bird's eyes, ears, and nostrils is asking for trouble.  

I recommend you get your bird(s) to an avian vet in order to determine what is infecting your bird.

Chrys