"8-in-1" Bird Protectors: do they work?

Marianne · Post by **Marianne** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:44 am

Hi. My "inherited" zebras came with one of those 8-in-1 bird protectors in with their supplies. Do these work? Are they necessary?

I've since moved my four from the tiny 14 x 14 cage they were into a double flight cage (64" x 38" x 21" with center divider to keep the two pairs from pulling each other's feathers out). Should I hang one on each side of the cage? Or toss it in the trash? I don't know how much of a problem mites would be with a small set up such as mine.

One of my pairs is sitting on eggs right now...I'm wondering if the chemicals in this may harm the hatchlings once they arrive?

Thanks for any and all advice.

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:04 pm

you could hang them up but i doubt if you will be troubled by lice as you say with your setup

ken

Crystal · Post by **Crystal** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 1:28 pm

Mite protectors are not only ineffective, but they are toxic to birds.

I recommend against them. If you are worried about mites and lice, there are safer products to use such as SCATT, appropriately dosed ivermectin (through a vet), and avian insect liquidator sprayed on the cage.

Good luck,
Crystal

Marianne · Post by **Marianne** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:10 pm

Thanks, Crystal and Ken,
I've heard both sides of this argument. It drives me nuts that the
"pet stores" sell these things like they are an absolute necessity (like the "grit issue") when they can be harmful to birds. How's a new finch owner supposed to know? (Guess that's why I joined this forum...

)

I'll be taking it off the cage tonight!