Bird lice are a common external parasite found on many species of birds. While they rarely cause significant health problems, severe infestations can lead to skin irritation, feather damage, and anemia in some cases. Controlling bird lice involves understanding their biology and using safe, effective treatment methods.
What are bird lice?
There are over 3,000 known species of lice that are specialized parasites of birds. The most common types of bird lice are:
- Feather lice – Feed on dead skin, feather parts, and skin secretions of birds. Most common type.
- Body lice – Pierce the bird’s skin to feed on blood. Less common.
- Fluff lice – Found only in nests as they cannot survive on a bird. Feed on dead skin and feathers.
Bird lice are host specific, meaning they only infest and survive on specific bird species. They spend their entire life cycle on the host bird and cannot survive for long periods off the host. The main method of transmission is direct contact between birds, such as during mating or brooding.
Are bird lice harmful?
In most cases, a light to moderate infestation of bird lice does not pose a major health risk. Birds can tolerate and live with a certain number of lice. However, very heavy infestations can lead to:
- Skin irritation, scabbing, and inflammation from lice bites
- Anemia from blood-feeding lice
- Feather damage and loss
- Reduced growth rates in nestlings
- Increase in other infections due to skin irritation
Therefore, steps should be taken to control lice when large numbers are present. Certain birds may be more susceptible, including nestlings, stressed or sick birds, and breeding birds that transfer lice to their young.
How to check for lice in birds
Signs that a bird may have lice include:
- Excessive feather preening and scratching
- Scabs and bald spots on skin
- Ruffled, tattered feathers
- Pale combs and wattles in chickens
- Irritability and restlessness
- Anemia
- Sparse feathers in nestlings
To inspect for lice, carefully examine the bird’s skin and feathers, especially around the vent, under wings, and neck area. Use a bright flashlight and magnifying glass. Look for small tan or grey colored lice that move quickly when disturbed. Also check for white louse eggs or “nits” attached to feather shafts.
How to control and kill bird lice
If lice are detected, there are several effective and safe treatments to kill and control bird lice, including:
Insecticide sprays
Pyrethrin-based sprays specifically for lice can be applied to the bird’s feathers, taking care to avoid eyes, nostrils, beak, and feet. Re-treat in 7-10 days. Do not use on nesting females or young chicks.
Insecticide dusts
Insecticidal dusts containing permethrin, pyrethrins, or carbaryl can be dusted onto feathers. Reapply as needed every 4-7 days. Avoid breathing in dusts.
Ivermectin
Oral or injectable anti-parasitic medication containing ivermectin. Given once, then repeated in 10-14 days. Safe for most bird species but consult a vet first.
Natural oils
Applying small amounts of olive, vegetable, or coconut oil to feathers can help suffocate lice. Oils can be alternated with other treatments.
Nest treatments
Fluff lice in nests can be controlled by:
- Discarding old nesting material
- Applying permethrin nest sprays
- Replacing nests with clean, fresh bedding
Concurrently treating the environment, coops, and other birds is key to prevent reinfestation.
Tips for preventing bird lice
Some tips to help prevent lice infestations in backyard flocks include:
- Quarantine new birds for at least 30 days before introducing to flock
- Discourage wild birds from nesting in coops or cages
- Routinely clean and sanitize the coop, nest boxes, perches
- Avoid overcrowding birds
- Isolate sick or infested birds promptly
- Provide frequent access to dust baths and dry litter
- Supplement birds’ diet with protein and vitamins
- Inspect birds weekly and treat at first sign of lice
Are bird lice contagious to humans or pets?
Bird lice rarely infest humans or other animals. Human lice are species-specific and cannot survive on birds or other hosts. The most common lice found on chickens and other poultry do not feed on humans or mammals if they happen to transfer over.
However, in very rare cases, some bird lice have been known to incidentally bite humans, causing temporary itching and irritation. Some precautions include:
- Wear gloves when handling infested birds
- Apply pesticides in well-ventilated areas
- Avoid handling birds and nests with bare hands
- Wash hands after contact with birds
Overall, bird lice pose very little risk to human health as they cannot reproduce without their specific avian hosts.
Conclusion
Bird lice are specialized external parasites that can infest backyard and domestic flocks. Moderate infestations often cause little harm, but heavy infestations can lead to skin, feather, and health issues in birds. With vigilance and timely treatment using insecticides, nesting control, and flock management, bird lice can be effectively controlled and eliminated.