How to Cure a Bird of Lice

How to Cure a Bird of Lice. Bird lice are tiny parasitic insects that are sometimes found on ornamental birds and poultry livestock. The lice bite the bird and feed off of its skin and blood, causing the animal much discomfort. Severe lice infestations that are left untreated can kill a bird. The lice may also migrate quickly from an infected bird to other birds in the area. Take steps to kill lice on your pet bird or poultry to protect your animal's health and comfort.

Things Needed

• Vinegar
• Plastic spray bottle
• Food-grade diatomaceous earth
• Pyrethrum-based bird powder

Step 1

Fill a plastic spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Close the bottle and shake it to mix the vinegar and water.

Step 2

Remove your bird from its cage or coop. Spray down all cage or coop areas with the vinegar solution. Vinegar is a natural lice-killer and deterrent. Focus on dark corners of your bird's cage or shaded areas of your poultry coop, as lice may congregate in such locations.

Step 3

Dust your bird with diatomaceous earth. This natural powder can be obtained from most health food stores and some pet stores. It naturally kills lice by cutting their exoskeletons at the microscopic level. Sprinkle the powder on your bird from its neck area down through its body.

Step 4

Use a pyrethrum-based powder formulated for birds as a more powerful alternative to diatomaceous earth. Such bird powders can be bought from most pet stores or feed stores. Coat the entire bird with a light layer of the powder.

Step 5

Repeat dusting your bird every few days for three weeks, which is the average life span of bird lice. This helps kill all mature lice while also eradicating lice that may be hatching on a daily basis.

Warnings

• Dusting---the act of shuffling dirt through the feathers---is a natural habit for various types of poultry. If you're raising poultry, consider adding diatomaceous earth or bird lice powder to the area in which your poultry roll on the ground. By mixing these lice-killing ingredients into the dirt, your birds will effectively treat themselves against future infestations.

References

• "The Complete Pet Bird Owner's Handbook;" Gary A. Gallerstein; 2003
• Poultry Keeper: External Parasites or Lice on Chickens and Other Poultry