Fleas in pigeons: is there and how to get rid of insects, how to process
Wild birds often feed on scraps in garbage dumps. Unsanitary conditions contribute to the emergence of various parasites. Insects carry diseases and become sources of infection for birds on farms. If fleas are detected in pigeons, preventive measures should be taken immediately. Pests are dangerous not only for winged livestock, but can also infect humans.
Varieties of pigeon parasites
Domestic pigeon owners are trying to limit the contact of pets with representatives of the wild fauna. An army of dangerous insects hides among the plumage of birds. To successfully resist the invasion of parasites, one must have an understanding of the varieties of disease vectors.
Fluff-eaters
Inspections of pigeons with a magnifying glass will help to identify the presence of parasites. Unpleasant sensations are delivered to birds by pereeds. Parasites feed on the down of birds. This is facilitated by a developed, powerful oral apparatus. Dimensions (3 mm) allow you to see insects even without the help of a magnifying glass. The color of the pests is brown with a yellowish tinge.
The presence of pests gives rise to increased shedding of feathers that look like they were sewn by a sewing machine. The fight against pereed is impossible without the use of medications.
Fleas
This is the most common type of pest. The ability to jump from bird to bird leads to the rapid infection of the entire population of birds. Fleas are easily able to overcome a distance of 30 centimeters in a jump. Thermal energy serves as a guide for them, the eyesight of insects is weak. Therefore, parasites can get on different animals, and even on humans.
Despite their small size, about 1-2 millimeters in length, parasites easily bite through the skin. There are black, and sometimes dark brown, instances of insects. Fleas can go without food for a long time, lying in wait for their next victim.
Pincers
Ticks are dangerous for pigeons. There are several varieties: Effects
Spherical appearance, after saturation with blood reaches 10 mm in diameter | Causes a weakened immune system, often leads to the death of chicks | |
Body size - 0.7 mm. Red bite marks help to identify the insect | In adult pigeons, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed, in young pigeons a slowdown in development is observed | |
The length reaches only 0.5 mm. They feed on dead skin cells. | Reduces appetite and feather loss | |
During the day, parasites hide from the sunlight in the cracks and only after dark attack sleeping pigeons.
Tick colonies have been occupying old dovecotes for years. It is difficult to get rid of pests without sanitation.
Bug
The bugs also feed on the blood of pigeons. These insects are carriers of smallpox, which is considered the most dangerous disease for birds. Because of the unbearable itching, pets become excited and then weaken. Against the background of blood loss, exhaustion of the body and anemia develops.
The activity of bedbugs does not depend on the time of day. Females are able to lay about 500 eggs at a time. And after 7 days, new larvae will hatch from them. Pests cause particular concern to young, immature chicks.
Helminths
Domestic pigeons are often infected with various types of worms. The most common of them - roundworms - choose the intestines as their habitat and lead to such unpleasant consequences as diarrhea and vomiting. Weakened birds lose interest in food, become lethargic and lag behind in development from he althy counterparts.
Protect against parasites is almost impossible. Often the source of infection are earthworms. Worm eggs are also carried by gusts of wind. Falling into feeders or drinking water, pests then easily enter the body of pigeons. Regular cleaning of the house with disinfectants can reduce the risk of helminth spread.
Symptoms of appearance
Understanding that pigeons have fleas or other parasites is quite difficult. Initially, the birds do not show concern. The habit of cleaning feathers is also inherent in he althy individuals. Therefore, the owners of birds do not pay attention to such behavior of pets. The only concern is the appearance of bald spots in the plumage.
Signs indicate the presence of fleas:
- Nervous behavior of pigeons, turning into attacks of aggression.
- A disheveled appearance may indicate that the birds are suffering from bites and severe itching.
- A symptom of a neglected disease is intense shedding of fluff.
Wild pigeons often settle on the roofs or attics of apartment buildings. Therefore, urban residents are not immune from the appearance of unwanted guests.
How to get rid of harmful insects in pigeons
Treatment of birds will not work if the poultry house is not disinfected in parallel. The room is advised to treat with insecticidal preparations. "Dichlorvos" or "Raptor" is available for every owner.
To fight parasites use:
- Denatured alcohol helps to get rid of overeating. A cotton swab is impregnated with the agent and the fluff of sick pigeons is wiped. The procedure is repeated until the complete disappearance of insects.
- Fleas are afraid of Ivermek or Frontline.
- Chinese dust causes tick panic.
- Worms will stop bothering birds after consuming Levamisole and Prazifen, a decoction of pomegranate peel and pumpkin seeds also help.
Poultry breeders call the preparation "Antiparasite" a universal means of controlling insects. The tool is harmless to pigeons, but destroys pests, and at the same time flies with spiders. The smoke bomb is left in the house overnight, and the room is thoroughly cleaned in the morning.
Can it be transmitted to humans
At the first manifestations of restless behavior, pigeons are recommended to be carefully examined. Parasites are unlikely to bring not only animals and birds, but also do not refuse human blood. Itching discomfort is not the worst consequence of insect bites.
Fleas, ticks or bed bugs are carriers of dangerous infections. Even brief contact with a sick pigeon can cause typhoid, brucellosis, or encephalitis. Cases of hepatitis have been reported.
The immune system of a he althy person usually successfully resists the harmful effects of insects. Bird parasites rarely linger on the smooth skin of humans, preferring the dense down of winged individuals. But bites often cause allergic reactions, the consequences of which are very serious.Children can also get sick, as well as adults with a weakened body.
Prevention of occurrence
Preventive measures will be the best way to protect against parasites. To avoid the invasion of harmful insects, it is advised:
- Keep the house clean.
- Paint over cracks to deprive bedbugs and mites of their favorite haven.
- Disinfect the premises even if the pigeons look he althy.
- Follow the diet of birds, supplementing food with vitamin supplements.
It is necessary to protect pets from communication with street birds. It is especially important to keep wild relatives away from the feeders of domestic pigeons. Regular cleaning of the premises and preventive measures will protect birds, as well as their owners, from infection. When detecting parasites, it is better to contact a veterinarian to quickly cure the entire flock.
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