Red mites in gouldian cage

[Ontariomama]

I have a 4 x 4 x 5' cage for my gouldians and zebra finches. When I change the papers on the bottom of the cage, I get a few little red microscopic critters on my arms, which I'm thinking are red mites based on pictures I googled on the internet. OK, what can I do besides going to my local bird vet. I phoned the vet and they want me to bring in ALL the birds for the vet to examine and weigh before they will prescribe treatment for each individual bird . Well, I have parents sitting on eggs and I certainly don't want to disrupt them that much.

Any treatments you can suggest that I can purchase over the internet - my local petsmart doesn't sell anything.

[Sally]

Here is a link to an article about mites:

http://www.finchinfo.com/health/disease ... _mites.php

I personally love Avian Insect Liquidator. It can be sprayed directly on birds, is safe for young birds/nests, and it not only takes care of external mites, but it will kill spiders and ants in the birdroom. Plus it gets these huge water bugs that look like giant cockroaches that we get in the southern U.S. states! You have to order it online, but there are numerous places that carry it. I definitely wouldn't take birds to the vet for external mites, this is something you can take care of yourself.

[lyzzyjayne]

I second what Sally said. =)

[debbie276]

I third what Sally said