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Budgies/scaly mites
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Question
Hi. I am quite sure my budgie has mites (even the vet said he suspects mites too). Around her beak there are wart like bumps. I do not want to bring her to the vet again to have him to a test to see if she really does have the mites (don't want to spend the $ ). My question to you is since I need the vet to prescribe the meds for the mites, I was reading on the internet that I could try and use Vaseline instead. Have you heard of this and what is your advice on this?
Thanks in advance,
Kathryn, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Hi, Kathryn.
You could try vaseline (I've heard of this), but I doubt it would work. Scaly mites are parasites and you need a parasite medicine to get rid of them. Vaseline would basically just "smother" some of the mites it touches. Vet doesn't need to do a test; scaly mites can be diagnosed visually. You need Ivermectin/glycol mix from your avian vet. Can't you just call your vet for a prescription, particularly if s/he already suspects this? In fact, your vet can most likely give you the medicine if s/he carries it in their office. It only takes 1-2 drops down the throat of the bird to cure the mites. Might take a redose 10 days later if any mites remain.
Chrys
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 9 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hi there, Thank you for your response regarding scaly mites on my budgie. Unfortunately, the vet will not give me the meds my budgie needs unless he does a test and exam. Basically he just wants money. I will not pay the $110 bill they would give me to do the exam and test. I am just going to buy some stuff available at my local pet store which claims to kill the mites. Have you heard of this, what is your opinion. Thanks, Kathryn | ||
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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, 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 a certified avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Over 20 years breeding/raising/handfeeding/selling 15 different species of parrots.
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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