How to check for mites?

[Missi]

I rescued a baby crow that I am rearing until it is old enough to release (it fell out of its nest in the middle of my parking lot & can not yet fly). I am keeping him well away from my parrots & outdoors in my screened-in porch.

How can I check to make sure he does not have mites. I don't want mites any where near my house. Is there anything I can use to put on him that would kill any possible mites? I am a germ/insect-ophobe! LOL Just want to take all precautionary measures!

[Billie Faye]

More than likely it does have mites...wild birds usually do...with that said....
Signs & Symptoms of possible Mites on Birds
How to Get Rid of Feather Mites | eHow.com
You might also want to try Diatomaceous earth where you have him...he will "dust bath" with it and it will help...Just some ideas...

[Missi]

THANK YOU BF There were SO many articles when I Googled it, I didn't know what to trust in or not. Also, I will definitely try Diatomaceous earth! I use that in my gardens for slugs & snails

[waterfaller1]

Ooh..I wish I could have him. Good luck with him.

[kudfu]

When I was a kid, my dad rescued a Crow (Who I promptly named Crowy) and he ended up living with us until he passed on. He was free to fly wherever he wanted outdoors, and came inside as well, usually sleeping inside. We also used Diatomaceous earth, to keep him mite free, I believe. (I was rather young at the time, but that does sound like what we used!) He never showed any signs of mites and we certainly never had a problem with it. Hope it helps your rescue baby!

[waterfaller1]

I thought mites were pretty species specific.

[Missi]

OMG CAROLE Your little fiddies icons in your siggie are PRECIOUS!!!

I ordered a couple of items. One for killing mites & bird lice on the bird & in the enclosure. Here it is: AVIAN INSECT LIQUIDATOR (A.I.L) - Vetafarm Pty Ltd

Also I got a wormer just in case its parents transferred any type of worm to it during its neo-nate feedings: WORMOUT GEL - Vetafarm Pty Ltd

This Vetafarm company seems to be a wonderful organization!

[waterfaller1]

Thanks Missi, that's Cydney's magic
Where are the pics of this dream baby? {I always wanted one, though I know it's illegal...}

[srtiels]

Many times a bird can be loaded with feather mites and lice, and since they are so small a person would be unaware there is a problem.

Click on pix for a full sized veiw.

If there are any on the bird a light dusting of the wings and tail with Seven 5% dust will help.

[daria]

Missi we want pictures. Also go to either Nature or Discovery. I think it's nature and they have an amazing documentary about crows that you can download. Including a crow "funeral", crows using tools, crows making tools and crows talking- great video