Bird Lice
A Few Facts About Bird Lice
There are a number of different species of bird lice, some of which can affect many species of birds, and others which are only found on a particular species of bird. Bird lice fit into one of two categories, those that suck, and those that bite. Both types can cause great discomfort to the bird however. Biting lice generally feed on dead skin, but can still cause a bird a great deal of irritation.
Humans Can't Be Infested - In handling a bird’s nest, we usually wear gloves to protect against lice or possible diseases. While bird lice may be the greatest concern in such a case, one should be aware that bird lice can only live on birds, and die soon after being separated from their host. They cannot survive on humans, though the biting variety can bite humans before they die, and the bites can cause uncomfortable itching. We don't really become infested with bird lice though and the itching is only a temporary situation.
Whether one is raising chickens, pigeons, have pet birds, or simply have wild birds in the attic or barn, bird lice can at time be a problem. Fortunately, it is a problem that can be easily treated, especially if only a single bird is involved. If a large number of birds are infested, in a large area, such as a chicken coop, a professional exterminator may need to be called in.
Treatment - Lice are insects, and treatment involves an insecticide. Powders and sprays that will destroy the lice are readily available in pet stores, or any store where pet supplies or medications are sold. One should carefully follow directions when using one of these products, or if in doubt, consult with a veterinarian. Be aware that dusting or spraying a bird will not necessarily solve the problem. The source of the infestation needs to be located as well, and this is often a nest or nesting area, which needs to be either treated or removed and destroyed. If a pet bird in a bird cage becomes infested with lice, not only does the bird need to be treated but the cage and everything in it needs to be sprayed, dusted, and cleansed, preferably with a bleach, leaving no louse untouched.
Symptoms - If a bird is suffering from bird lice, initial signs are usually those of excessive scratching or preening. In addition the bird may act more restless than usual, and less friendly or more irritable. The presence of a bald spot or a loss of feathers usually means the lice problem is getting out of hand. It's unlikely that you'll see lice crawling around on the bird. For one thing, they will usually be on the surface of the skin or on the shafts of the feathers. The other reason is, bird lice are quite small. Though there are varieties of the louse than are 1/8" long, most bird lice can only be seen through a magnifying glass, and are not visible to the naked eye.
Summary - If you only have one or two birds, and bird lice becomes a problem, remove all nesting materials first, clean the cages completely, and then treat the birds. If the bird's surroundings are not cleansed properly, the lice may simple return, and the birds will have to be treated again. In any event, a second treatment may still be needed in case there are survivors. If you have many birds, and a large area to treat, it would probably best to consult first with a veterinarian, and then with an exterminator, as the task may be a rather large one, and a chicken coop that is only half cleaned out is not much better than one that has not been treated at all.