It seems my doves now have mites. What is the best way to get rid of them? This is the first time I have ever noticed them, so it's a new problem for me.
Thanks,
David

David, first the doves must be removed from their cage. Wash the cage down thoroughly with hot water and bleach and rinse. Next, there are several products on the market for this and available in most pet shops. One is called Scalex. Some are powders and other are liquid sprays. I personally like the powders.

They are for treating mites and lice. Spread the powder over the entire dove paying particular attention under the wings and tail but be careful not to get it in their eyes. You'll have to ruffle the feathers while doing this to ensure the powder gets down to the skin. You may have to treat them several times but it will kill the mites. After treatment, you can return them to the cleaned cage.

If you can't get to a pet shop for the powder, grocery stores carry products for cats that are also for mice. Under no circumstances use the powder for dogs. It must be the variety for cats.

Sevin may also be a lot of help.

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

I don't know if this would help you or not but what I do is first wash the cage in HOT water then put in one of those mite thingy's that you can buy in the store! I know they smell nasty but it has helped all my birds! they just attach on the outside of cage.

Definately clean the cage but use more than just hot water. Bleach kills all the insects.

To entirely rid the dove of mites, you must treat it with mite and lice powder as I mentioned above. They must be treated under the wings and tail area.

Those smelly thingy's are called cage protector and are a preventative not a cure. Using them after an infection is like a human apply sun block after they get a sunburn.

That's what I meant as a preventative measure! when I wrote the msg it was hectic here with birthdays and being thanksgiving I lost train of thought! but they do work! I got one on each of my cages! to me they smell like moth balls! I do hope you get the situation cleared up and all turns out well!!!!!!