Could It Be Mites?

[lovezebs]

Hello All,

I picked up this little pair at the Pet Shop, because I like the Black Cheek mutation and haven't got any.

I named them Rain and Storm, seeing as it was raining cats and dogs that particular day.

However when I came home, I noticed this on the male's beak. I have never had birds with mites affecting their beaks, but this sort of looks like the pictures.

Any thoughts?
Has anyone ever come across anything like this?

I used SCATT on both of them, as I do on all my new birds, so if it is mites, it should take care of it. However I'm still curious to know what you all might think.

Thanks.

[Babs _Owner]

lovezebs

I'm not sure about mites. But they certainly are handsome for evil little zebbies. *grin

[Icearstorm]

lovezebs
My male gouldian seems to have a mild case of that. Ivermectin doesn't work if applied the normal way (at least from my observations), though blotting the beak with it might work. I spread a thin coat of petroleum jelly on his beak to suffocate the mites, but have not been around long enough to analyze the results. Petroleum jelly can be safely used on mucous membranes, so getting some in the eye is not a big deal, whereas insecticides may pose more of a risk. I can let you know if it works.

I have also heard that Iodine deficiency can cause a scaly buildup on the beak, though this tends to be restricted to the inner edges of the bill.

[lovezebs]

Babs

Thanks Babs, they are a pretty pair, which is why I snapped them up, but this stuff on his beak is icky looking .

[lovezebs]

Icearstorm

Thanks for the information.
I will have to catch the little imp and take a better look at this beak of his.

[Babs _Owner]

lovezebs

I have to say, the darker mutations of zebras are very tempting even for me. *gasp!

[lovezebs]

Babs

Personally I find some of the mutations amazingly lovely....

And I would love to get my hands on a pair of these guys...

As for you, young lady.....
I see Zebras in your future