FINCHforum

Hello Forum,

Recently I have noticed that the area above my mule finches beaks (forehad) has become covered in dry bloody scab. They are eating and beahaving normally (aside from not singing over the summer) and do not appear to be overly distressed.

I fear that the scabs are a result of constant mosquito attacks (this place is mosquito heaven). does anybody have any experience with dealing with this issue? Is it likely to be the cause? They show no signs of damage on thier legs. I assume this would be a result of the fact that they roost with thier legs tucked under.

thanks,
Adam

could be mites?.which country or state do you live.As you have not put it on your profile.If it was, someone in the same country may mignt know about problem insects in your area.

Thanks gomer.

I live in WA, south of Perth. What symptoms would facial mites cause? They do not show any sign of scaly legs.

Adam

Adam
Is that washington,state?

Hi, sorry No. Western Australia. Hot mediteranean climate if that makes a difference.


Adam

Ticks,mites,lice and mozzies all have simular symptoms.Skin iritations,scratching,rough feathers broken quills etc.They all live on blood from the bird,and most can be visually seen.

Treament for them is similar,you could use pestene(carbaryl powder for dusting)or nik-kof on perches.A naturul pyrethiumor coopex to spray them and avairys.or somthing like moxidectin or eprinex on them.

personaly i would use the moxi or eprinex,on all birds.Dust the visually infected ones with pestene.and spray all aviaries with coopex.As i keep those products at hand.

Thanks Gomer,

To my horror I discivered the truue cause of the problem the other afternoon. I went out to the cages to find a pair of butcher birds tormenting my birds and driving them againdst the mesh where they grazed thier faces. Thankfully the birds were agile enough to elude their would-be predators but I am sure this harrassment is very distressing for them. I tried to shoe the butchers awy and even threw stones but they are very bold.

Has anyone come up with a means of scarring/deterring these birds?
Plastic snakes?