We know that birds are susceptible to many of the same health problems that can affect people, including viruses and bacterial infections. Did you know, however, that birds can also get lice? Not only that—there are specific types of lice that have developed to affect parrots exclusively. Learn all about these creepy crawly parasites, how to identify them, and how to get rid of them in this article on parrot lice. Keep your feathered friend and the rest of your family healthy and safe by learning what you can do to prevent lice and other external parasites.
- 01 of 05
Identifying Parrot Lice
hugociss/Getty Images
Just because you see tiny bugs crawling around on your bird does not automatically mean that your parrot has lice. In addition to lice, birds can become infested with mites or other types of external parasites. In general, lice infestations appear as small, brownish colored insects that can be seen traveling through your bird's feathers. You may not even be able to see the lice with the naked eye—in many cases, owners only notice excessive itching in their birds. In order to properly identify lice or any parasite with absolute certainty, it's important to promptly schedule an appointment with an avian vet if you notice any type of abnormal behavior or insects crawling around on your bird.
02 of 05Protecting Other Pets
Olga Palinska/Getty Images
If you live in a multiple-bird household, then it is extra important for you to identify and treat any form of parasite infestation as quickly as possible, in order to reduce the risk of exposing your other birds. If you do notice external parasites on one of your pets, quickly quarantine the affected bird in a safe area away from your other feathered friends. Even if you do not observe lice or other parasites on your other birds, it's probably a good idea to get your entire flock checked out by a veterinarian so that you can be sure to get any infestations under control.
03 of 05Can People Get Bird Lice?
Manuela Schewe-Behnisch/Getty Images
One of the most common questions that bird owners have about bird lice is whether or not the insects can transfer to human hosts. The good news is that bird lice are exclusive to birds, and will not infest human hair. However, this does not mean that the lice can't harm a bird's human family members. Lice can carry a host of diseases so refer to your human doctor for more information if you live in a household that has parrot lice. Limit physical contact with an infected bird until you can seek proper veterinary treatment for your pet.
04 of 05Preventing Reinfestation
DjelicS/Getty Images
Once you've identified lice on your bird and set up a vet visit for your pet, the work is not done. While your bird's veterinarian will offer a delousing treatment for your feathered friend, bringing your bird back into your home can cause the lice to quickly reappear if you haven't properly eliminated them. The first thing that you should do is thoroughly clean your bird's cage, making sure to scrub and disinfect all surfaces, corners, and nooks and crannies of the bars. In addition, it may be necessary to contact a professional home pest control service to spray your house for lice and other parasites. Ensure your feathered friend is not in the house during the home pest control service as the fumes can be dangerous to your pet and for a few hours or more (talk to the company you are working with) afterwards while the house is clearing out . While this isn't exactly a pleasant undertaking, it's better than dealing with repeated infestations on your feathered friend.
Continue to 5 of 5 below05 of 05class="comp sources mntl-block">Avoid "Over the Counter" Treatments
skynesher/Getty Images
Between vet bills, pest control services, and other expenses, it's safe to say that it's not cheap to get rid of pet bird lice—however, please don't let the cost of effective treatment cause you to cut corners by using inferior products that you can buy at the grocery store. Most "do it yourself" pest control chemicals can be harmful or fatal to birds, as can treatments that are labeled for the removal of human head lice infestations. Do yourself and your bird a favor and seek professional help (even if its a call to a clinic for thoughts on what to do) as soon as you suspect a lice infestation in your pet.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.Related Article
small-birdsOwl Finch (Bicheno Finch): Bird Species Profile
The adorable Owl Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii) is a small, long-tailed grass finch that hails fro
medium-birdsBlack-Capped Conure (Rock Parakeet): Bird Species Profile
The black-capped conure is one of the smallest of the conure parrots, as well as one of the most di
medium-birdsCaique: Bird Species Profile
If you want a bird that is beautiful, intelligent, active, and very entertaining, a caique (pronoun
bird-behavior-and-trainingWhy Is My Pet Bird Biting and "Beaking" Me?
When a pet bird uses its mouth on your hand, you may just be being "beaked" rather than bit
bird-healthDo Birds Need Annual Vet Visits?
Question: My Budgie, Kipper, is only a year old, and I just adopted him last week. A friend of min
bird-breedsUmbrella Cockatoo (White Cockatoo): Bird Species Profile
A sweet-natured species, umbrella cockatoos can be overly affectionate—bordering on obsessive—w
bird-breeds8 Best Talking Pet Parrots
When we hear the word "parrot," an iconic image comes to mind: a large, colorful bird whose
bird-basicsHow to Trim Your Bird's Nails
Trimming or clipping a bird's nails is a necessary job for a bird owner. If you've ever been scratc
About WhiskerClub
We are a premier digital platform committed to delivering high-quality content to our readers. Our mission is to provide accurate, reliable, and engaging information that adds value to our audience's daily lives.
Our team consists of experienced content creators and subject matter experts who uphold the highest standards of professionalism. In an era of information overload, we curate content with care, ensuring our users receive only the most relevant and trustworthy information.
Beyond just reporting facts, we focus on depth and context. Through expert analysis, comprehensive research, and clear presentation, we help our audience gain meaningful insights and make informed decisions.
We take pride in being a trusted information source for our growing community of readers. Our user-first approach means we continuously adapt to provide content that meets our audience's evolving needs and interests.
Innovation and excellence drive everything we do. We're committed to improving our platform and services to deliver the best possible experience for our users.
Comments on " How to Identify and Get Rid of Parrot Lice" :