What is causing the lesions around this budgerigar’s eyes and how would you treat them?
These are classic excresences caused by Knemidocoptes pillae, a mite which causes hyperketatotic growths termed ‘scaly face’ and ‘tassle foot’ by aviculturalists. The picture here, taken many years ago by the great avian veternary surgeon Leslie Arnall, shows a very pronounced case. Treatment is by topical application of ivermectin over several weeks.