Baby Parakeets vs. Mites

Question
Hello,

A pair of my parakeets just had 4 babies.  The oldest one will make a week
tomorrow (Friday 06/27/09).  The mom and dad - along with 4 other
parakeets in another cage next to them - have mites.. or some kind of little
bug on them.  (We used to keep their cages in our house but everyone started
to get bites... they're really tiny bugs but I've seen a couple on feathers that
dropped from the birds...)  I have put a mite repellent onto their cage so
hopefully that help with the problem...

Anyway, I was wondering if that'd be harmful to the babies?  If so, I'd like to
get them out of there before the mites can bite them...  But would that mean
I have to hand feed them? Because I am not experienced, but could learn if I
had to.  

They are already a week old and I don't see any bugs on them so far, but I'm
scared for when they start getting feathers and what not.  Please help me
with this situation.  These are my first baby keets and I'd be devastated if
something were to happen to them.

Much appreciation,
Ally

Answer
Please take the repellent out now. Birds are VERY sensitive. Please consult with a bird specialist, not just on line. If you really want these birds to live long healthy lives, find a holistic veterinarian who specializes in birds, like Dr. Ramelmeier - she can work by phone, so call her at 410-531-9213.

good health, Ally,
Dr.Christina Chambreau