Scaly face mite

[J_Robbo]

While in the aviary today, I noticed one male goulian with feathers missing above his beak. On further inspection and a bit of research he sees to have a rather bad case of scaly face mite.All birds were treated with moxy plus in October. Should I treat them again and what else can I do to help this problem? Any help greatly appreciated.

[finchbreeder]

Individuals can be treated with a mix of vege oil and dettol, but be careful not to get it in the eyes, apply with a cotton bud daily
LML

[J_Robbo]

thanks Finchbreeder will do.

[TomDeGraaff]

Is the use of vaseline on the affected area acceptable? This is to apparently smother the mite. Please agree or debunk the rumour!! We're all hear to learn!
Tom

[Myzomela]

It works Tom but the problem is avoiding contaminating feathers around the area.
I personally try to avoid vaseline or vegie oil/dettol mixture around the face- just a bit risky IMO,and you don't want birds rubbing it into their eyes.
I save these for the feet.
Why risk it when a drop or two of ivermectin or moxidectin placed topically will work just as well with little/no risk.
Also the moxidectin/ivermectin need only applied once, then repeated weekly until the lesions disappear.
The oil preparations, on the other hand, ideally need to be reapplied daily or every second day for a week or more to work- more fiddly IMO.

[TomDeGraaff]

Yes, I see. That makes sense

[Finches2011]

Myzomela
Is that straight Moxi or Ivermectin?