Do parakeets get fleas? Yes, parakeets can get fleas. A parakeet can contract fleas just like every other pet if it is around an environment plagued with them or if its cage is near a dog or cat with fleas.
Your parakeet could have fleas if one or more symptoms occur. If your parakeet continually scratches its body or head, that could be an indication.
Small black spots on your bird’s feathers are another indicator. These dark spots are flea poop.
Taking your pet to the vet for treatment is crucial if you notice any of these symptoms. The great news is that veterinarians may provide several flea treatments that work.
How Do You Know When Your Parakeets Get Fleas?
1. Excessive Preening
When fleas and mites are an issue, birds actively groom themselves to remove them. They frequently preen to remove the mites even if they don’t pull out their feathers in response to mites.
2. Check the Bird’s Cage
You can physically inspect the bird’s cage for leads as well. For instance, mites seem like specks, and although they are difficult to see with bare eyes, you can search the cage for any black or red patches.
Mites turn red after they consume blood from your bird. The red mites will be visible as they move or hide in the cracks of your pet’s cage.
3. Skin Irritation
Look for irritation or redness on the bird’s skin because fleas and mites bite. The skin may appear red and irritated, or it may just appear paler than usual.
4. Check Your Bird’s Beak
Look for any crusts surrounding your parakeet’s eyes and beak. These parts of your bird will show the first symptoms of mites.
Even though mites may be difficult to see, inspecting the crust routinely ensures nothing goes undetected.
5. Restlessness
The bird may find it difficult to relax because of the irritation caused by flea and mite bites. Even when it should be resting or sleeping, the bird may constantly move and stir.
6. Visible Fleas
A relaxed bird and a powerful light are necessary when checking a bird for fleas. Red mites and fleas are big enough to be seen, but certain mites are too tiny to be seen with the naked eye.
7. Check Your Bird’s Legs
Your parakeet’s legs may develop scaling and discomfort. There may be obvious swelling and rashes, and the legs may appear scaly and dry.
To ease the discomfort, your bird could also prefer to lie down with its legs beneath its belly.
8. Feather Damage
The feathers may be harmed in severe mite infestation. Also, they could appear ragged or less bright than they were previously.
How to Do Away with Bird Fleas in Your House
Both outdoor and indoor pets frequently struggle with flea infestations. However, bird fleas could be a severe annoyance indoors because they flourish in warmer areas and are well suited to feeding on human blood.
Here are four actions you may do to get rid of bird fleas if you have been suffering from an infestation:
#1. Treat Your Parakeets
Make sure you first use a product created especially to treat your parakeets for fleas.
#2. Use Insecticide Sprays
The other step is to use an insecticide spray to tackle all the areas where fleas may be hiding.
You can select the product that best suits your demands from various offers.
Because some items might be hazardous if used improperly, be vigilant to stick to the instructions given. In case of any questions, consult a qualified pest control specialist.
#3. Do Thorough Vacuuming
Considering how little they are; vacuuming will assist in getting rid of any larvae or eggs that might be prevalent in your home.
Vacuuming all potential flea hiding places, such as crevices and cracks, under furniture, and other damp, dark places, should be done first.
Vacuuming will assist in getting rid of as many fleas as possible. You should dump the vacuum cleaner bags immediately after usage since bird flea eggs can last long from the host organism.
#4. Continue Regular Treatment and Vacuuming
Finally, it’s critical to continue routine vacuuming and treatment because bird fleas can be challenging to eradicate.
You must eliminate all the fleas in your home by using these techniques.
Final Word
Do parakeets get fleas? Unfortunately, they do. Your parakeet will most likely contract fleas if they touch closely with other infected hosts.
Fleas will quickly spread if you also have chickens or turkeys, and they will choose your parakeet as their preferred host bird.
Even more tiny than the dog or cat flea when it strikes, the stick-tight flea is small and seems dark brown.
As a result, it will be simple to overlook the flea with your bare eye, only to discover additional heartbreaking symptoms once the infestation negatively impacts your parakeet’s health.
