Beaphar

parasites

Internal parasites
Unfortunately, your bird, like other animals, suffers from internal parasites. Worms are often the most common and it is very important to worm your bird regularly. Beaphar has developed a special bird worm medicine, which will help your bird lose its unwanted guests. The Beaphar range also contains a bird medicine for both worms and external parasites, called Anti-parasite spot on. These products are available from your local pet shop. You can generally recognize a worm infection by a lack of vigour, diarrhoea and loss of weight. If you have several birds, treat all of them at the same time and repeat this treatment to prevent reinfection.

External parasites
Your bird can also suffer from external parasites. Blood mites are the most well-known external parasites. Blood mites visit your bird at night and can hard to diagnose. During the day the blood mites generally hide in the corners and cracks of the cage and surrounding area. Blood mite infections cause itchiness and irritation, and will result in sleepless nights for your birds. A heavy infestation might cause anaemia, which could lead to the death of your bird.

A heavy blood mite infestation can be recognized by poor plumage, especially on your bird’s head, restlessness due to itching. It is important to pay close attention during moulting, as this may be confused with a blood mite infestation.
If your bird is suffering from blood mite, it is important to treat both the bird and its environment. Beaphar’s range includes Defest, an insectidal spray to treat your bird’s cage. You can treat your bird with “anti-parasite spot on” or Bogena bird spray.
Your bird can also suffer from other mites. One of these causes “scaley foot”. Mites crawl under your bird’s skin. This could lead to a bacterial infection and your bird will suffer from a sort of calcification around its claws. Anti-parasite spot on is effective against the mites that cause scaley foot.