Bird lice !!

[Viraba]

I have young friend who has some 'tiels down on eggs at the moment however when I was over there yesterday we noticed that the nest box (and the birds of course) were covered in bird lice. He was going to spray inside the box but thought better of it when he read the instructions on the bottle about not spraying in confined spaces. We're a bit concerned that the lice might make the parents abandone the nest and or affect the developing babies if left as is. Does anybody have any suggestion as to what he can do here to get rid of them ?

Is it OK to actually empty the nesting box, treat it and then put the eggs back in withnew nesting material etc ? Will the parents tollerate that much distrubance ?

Cheers

Viraba

[AcaciaWattle]

That's what I'd do or maybe if they have another of that same style box they can prepare the box and quickly spray the birds and then put the box in and take the dirty one out to clean. It can if the infestation is quite large it can affect their development and their immune system (like worms and other parasites). If the birds are use to somone being in there it shouldn't affect them too much. Just keep an eye on Mum and Dad to make sure they return to the nest. I don't know if Ivomectin would affect the babies or if other ingested medications will affect babies.

[ollie]

As a short term solution you could try wiping the inside of the box with a little bit of eucalyptus oil or putting a few gum leaves in the box. lice don't like the smell and it will act as a natural repellant. This might help unitl the babies are old enough to move out while you treat the box.

[hillcresttiels]

Viraba I would remove the egss temporarily clean out the box give it a spray of lice and mite control replace the shavings let the box air out a little while and make sure mum and dad and any birds in the area also get a treatment and I'm condident the breeders will return to the nest once it has been replaced!

Frank

[Viraba]

Thanks Guys, I might recommend that he use both these ideas. DO the clean out and then put some gums leaves in afterwards

Viraba