Ectoparasites are widespread in pigeon flocks. They damage the pigeon's organism in
various ways.
Pathogens:
Feather lice, scaly-leg mites and body mange mites live permanently on infested
pigeons, leaving them only to seek new hosts. Pigeon ticks, bird ticks and red bird
mites attack pigeons only periodically at night to suck blood. Otherwise, they conceal
themselves in cracks in the loft. They can transmit pathogens. See Summary 1 for the
life cycle and lifespan of parasites.
Recognition of the disease:
Feather lice are visible in the pigeon's feathering with the naked eye. To assist
detection, hold the pigeon against the light with its wings outspread.
Infestation with body mange mites and scaly-leg mites can be confirmed by microscopic
examination of a scraping from inflamed skin.
Pigeon and bird ticks and red bird mites can be detected with the naked eye in cracks
in the loft - ideally in the early hours of the morning, when the parasites leave the
birds in search of a hiding place. They are also found under feeding troughs and nest
bowls.
Notes:
Clean feed and water vessels with hot water. Regular bathing in clean water - at least
once a week - protects pigeons against parasite infestation.
| Ectoparasites in pigeons |
