Help!!! Mites??? not sure what the problem is...

[Shameless_phantom]

Hi all,

I have been having alot of death within my Zebra finches as of recently. A rate of 1 a day for the past 4 days. I have noticed the birds scratching and preening but not more than they always have and no one has any feathers missing. I do have a grey mite that has been floating in groups on top of the water they have so i have been changing the water often. I have cleaned the top layer off the flooring and have started to clean each nesting box a few at a time.

They are getting cuttle and grit along with seed and fresh seeding grasses and asian greens. All adult birds seem to be in top condition but mostly young males that are dying. I also havent had any luck with breeding the past 2 months. The young birds seem to be neglected and are dying. I am currently at a loss as to what to do so any help would be great!!

Thanks!

[vettepilot_6]

Sounds like a mite infestation....probably the little blood suckers are annoying parents in boxes hence wont go in to look after young....I used to use Carbryl powder in boxes but you can use ant pyrethium based spray in all crevices throughout avairy....also Diamateous Earth (foodgrade) dusted around will help dessicate the little blighters...Good Luck

[kenny66]

ther is a product called coopecs which you can get at bunnings or bird supply shops. You mix it with water and spray the whole aviary-100% safe for birds. I would also treat the birds with moxidectin just in case. The young males dying is a worry. Are you feeding sprouted seed?