Whether you have canaries and pets, or breeder of these birds, you may have found signs that made you suspect the presence of a parasite in the feathers and skin of your faithful awakening with the first rays of the sun. Mites are one of the most common parasites in these birds, and it is interesting as an owner to recognize them so that your veterinarian tells you the most appropriate treatment as soon as possible. In Animal Expert we will offer you this little guide, which we hope to clarify some of your doubts about the mites in canaries, their symptoms and their treatment.
There are a wide variety of external parasites that can affect our canaries, but certainly one of the most common is that of the canaries. These ubiquitous arachnids can range from the most occasional to those responsible for more or less serious illnesses.
- Birds (songbirds such as canaries.
- Diamonds.
- ) and parakeets (parrots).
- Suffer from the undesirable presence of mites.
- And although some types of injuries alert us to their existence.
- In other cases they can go unnoticed for a long time.
- Periods of time.
- Due to the particular cycle of some species.
To facilitate the task of recognizing mites in canaries, we divide them into three groups:
It is a type of canary mite that spends its entire cycle of life in birds (larva, nymph, adult), invading epidermal follicles, where it feeds on epithelial keratin and is chosen nesting site. Females do not lay eggs, it is a viviparous species that has its larvae in the galleries that form after entering the skin barrier, and completes the cycle in about 21 to 27 days.
The canary becomes infected by direct contact by walking on infected scales that another canary has left in the cage bars. The only good news is that the mite doesn’t last too long outside the host.
Once the mite is installed in the canary, its activity and the release of metabolites in the follicle cause chronic irritation and production of solid exudate that will lead to hyperkeratosis, i.e. abnormal proliferation of skin in the legs, beak, wax and sometimes on the face and eyelids. This results in a scab appearance in the affected areas. It is a slow process and owners often refer to the appearance of “foot balances” if they are at the beginning of the process, and in some cases more severe, indicate that more fingers have come out of their canary. It is not uncommon to find skin proliferations in the form of elongated masses and whitish around the animal’s fingers, which can be confusing if the subject is not known. As noted, these lesions are not usually accompanied by itching at first, which may delay the visit to the veterinarian. We can find canaries that coexist with this problem for months, observing only in the last stages of itching, limp or pecking in the extremities (self-harms from discomfort).
Observation of these characteristic formations in the legs and/or beak, as well as medical history and a good response to treatment, usually leads to diagnosis. The scratching of the affected areas for later observation under the microscope does not always highlight the presence of mites in very deep canaries, as is the case of better known mites, such as Sarcoptes in canids. For this reason, it is always necessary to perform a complete examination of the patient, since the onset of parasitic diseases is usually linked to immunosuppression (decrease in defenses). In addition, it is essential to determine the precise weight for proper treatment.
The treatment of this mite in canaries is performed by avermectins (ivermectin, moxidectin …), in doses that vary according to the weight, age and specific conditions of each individual, to be renewed at 14-20 days (estimated duration of the mite cycle). A third dose should not be ruled out.
Sprays and sprinklers are not very effective against scabies mites, their location is too deep to have an effect. Occasionally, if the bird is too weak, treatment can be applied directly to the affected areas, before removing the scabs.
In addition, proper hygiene and disinfection of cages and bars, quality feeding and the application of tea tree oil or olive oil to the legs can be useful. The oil is non-toxic, relieves skin lesions and can penetrate when they enter the follicle, “drowning” the next generation. It’s a help, never a single therapy.
This type of mites is known as a red mite because of its color. It is not very common to see them in canaries that we have as pets indoors, but in groups of birds, such as avians, etc. It is particularly common in chicken coops, but parasites any bird. It mainly affects young birds and has nocturnal habits. During the night, he leaves the shelter to eat.
Symptoms of this mite in canaries include nervousness, poorly shiny feathers, and even weakness if the parasite’s degree is extreme and they steal too much blood. Sometimes we can detect the visible mite on clear surfaces.
In this case, aerosols may be useful, applied with some frequency in the animal (depending on the activity you have), and in the middle (where the mite lives), although it can also serve as a therapy with avermectin.
The life cycle of such mites in canaries is fast, as it can be completed in 7 days under suitable conditions. You must take this into account in order to apply the right products every week on the affected animals and the environment, and not give time for the start of a new cycle.
Fipronil spray or piperonyl for birds is generally effective and safe, but we should remember that birds are much more susceptible than any other pet to aerosols, aerosols, etc., so adequate advice on concentration, frequency of application and disinfection of the environment is advised to ensure that the process is carried out safely.
Following the order of the less frequent, we have in the last place of this guide on mites in canaries, the Sternostoma, known as the mite of the trachea. It actually affects the alveoli, lungs (where it reproduces), the trachea and the syringe. It has a fast life cycle like Dermanysses, estimated to be completed in approximately 7 to 9 days.
It is a parasitic disease that can be overdiagnosed by some breeders and amateurs, since its symptoms are very similar to those of other conditions, such as mycoplasmosis, chlamydia (respiratory diseases that also usually affect several specimens of a group).
Aphony (loss of singing) or changes in phonation (song), the presence of sneezing, dry cough and the appearance of respiratory noises such as hissing, are the most common symptoms of this mite in canaries and, therefore, the signs that the owners can see. Unlike other diseases that show the same signs, the animal generally has a good body condition, maintains appetite and hygiene standards at first, but can evolve to something more serious. Some specimens scratch the beak area and nostrils, or rub against the rods by the itching caused by these small invaders.
Direct observation can be used to diagnose the presence of these mites in canaries if good vision and lighting is required, but sometimes samples with swabs and observation under the microscope are required.
Once diagnosed, its elimination is relatively simple with avermecttins every 14 days, at least twice. Local instillation is another option, but access to the area is complicated with a drop of product to apply.
Excessive proliferation of this parasite can lead to death by airway obstruction, although this type of extreme case usually occurs only in unsupervised animals, such as wild birds or highly vulnerable animals. However, you can never completely refuse your presence despite the above, even if you are sure that the canary comes from a professional and methodical breeder, many of our friends receive a daily visit of free birds during the hours they spend on the terrace, and it is not always easy to detect this parasite in the first months of life. , when canaries usually take home.
However, direct contact between birds is necessary for transmission (sneezing, coughing and, most importantly, the use of common drinkers), so a brief contact with other birds during their free time does not usually pose a high risk in this case.
The correct disinfection of all elements of the cage is essential to end the problem, as well as the treatment of all affected canaries, and a thorough follow-up of those who do not yet have symptoms but share their habitat with the sick.
Remember that in Animal Expert we do our best to keep you informed, but it will always be the vet who will tell you the best option to take care of your canary, depending on its conditions.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Parasitic Diseases section.