Infinite Itches: Could Your Pet Bird Have Lice?

The average human scratches themselves approximately 97 times per day. Pet birds tend to scratch themselves a lot too. This can occur by itself, or as part of your bird's preening, which helps a bird remove dust from its feathers. Scratching an itch is perfectly normal behavior for a pet bird, but it can be alarming when your bird's scratching becomes chronic—a point when a veterinarian visit is necessary. Could your pet bird have lice? 

Harmless But Irritating

Bird lice are classified as a type of Phthiraptera, and while their presence can be alarming, they're unlikely to cause any physical damage to your pet bird. However, a heavy infestation can cause your bird to scratch themselves rather frantically, so there's a possibility of your bird injuring themselves with their own beak and claws. What should you do if you suspect that your bird is infested with lice? 

Isolate the Bird

If you have more than one bird, the affected bird must be isolated—moved from a shared enclosure to a solo enclosure. This can help to prevent cross-contamination, but it should be pointed out that this may have already occurred (more about that in a moment). Your bird must be assessed by a veterinarian, ideally as soon as possible, to limit your bird's time in solitary confinement.

DIY Treatment Is Not Recommended

Before you make an appointment with your vet, you may be wondering if you can delouse your bird yourself. This isn't recommended. Comprehensive treatment is needed to prevent re-infestation, and this can be quite difficult to achieve at home using a pet store product. Under no circumstances should you try to use a lice shampoo for humans on a pet bird. A vet is the best person to delouse your bird.

Delousing

This treatment is incredibly quick and easy. Your bird is simply treated with a formulated delousing solution, and your vet will gently groom your bird to remove lice, as well as their larvae and eggs. While this treatment is simple enough, some effort is required to prevent re-infestation. 

Other Considerations

If you should have other birds, ask your vet if delousing treatment is recommended for them as well. Lice can be extremely contagious amongst birds living in close quarters, so delousing each bird may prove to be necessary. Your bird's enclosure must also be disinfected, with any ground cover (grass, newspaper, etc.) being removed and replaced. The interior of the enclosure (including perches, nesting boxes, food, and water dishes) must be washed with warm, soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, and allowed to dry.

Bird lice are more of a comfort issue than a major health concern, but they can be excruciatingly uncomfortable for a bird. If you should notice any indications of lice in your pet bird, please seek a veterinarian for treatment without delay.