Mites and Lice

User Question
I just got a 2 year old parakeet and she has lice or mites and they're mostly on her head. I bought lice/mite spray, but it's not supposed get near the eyes or mouth. So I can't apply it to the head without the risk of spraying her eyes. And it's hard for me to rub her head because she won't really let me.

Lisa's Answer
That's a shame about the infestation! I would take her to a vet to see if there is any other alternative that would be easier to apply. In addition I would work daily on hand training. You can probably get her hand trained in 1-2 weeks at which point she won't mind you touching her head, and can at least get some of the substance on her head without getting it into her eyes. But the vet might have a better solution for you. I can't imagine a spray working well, without getting into her eyes or mouth.

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