Scaly Leg or Scaly Face Mites

Index of Bird Diseases ... Symptoms & Potential Causes ... Bird Species & Diseases They are Most Susceptible to ... Bird Health Care ... Glossary of Avian Medical Terms ... Medications Used in Avian & Exotic Medicine and Pharmaceutical Terms ... How to administer oral medications to a bird

Bird Health / Avian Medicine Library

Scaly Leg or Scaly Face are most commonly caused by Knemidokoptes - also spelled Cnemidocoptes, which are eight-legged microscopic mites that are related to spiders, ticks and scorpions - but obviously much smaller in size. They burrow in the face, feet and leg, vent and wingtips.

Different species of mites affect different species of birds. Knemidokoptes are most frequently found in budgies; however, they have also been reported in other species of birds. In canaries and finches, the same mite causes a condition commonly called 'Tassle Foot'. It is also likely that some birds are genetically more susceptible to these mites than others.

These mites are very contagious; therefore, if one bird has it, all birds that it came in contact with need to be treated.

Secondary bacterial infection and arthritis may occur.

It is thought that in many instances, these mites are acquired in the nest, with the infection remaining latent for a long period of time. Early signs of this disease may be seen after six to twelve months.

Relevant Web Links

• Scaly Leg Mites (Budgies & Other Birds) / Tassle Foot (Canaries & Finches) / Depluming Scabies (Pigeons)
• Scaly Face Mites
• Bumble Foot

Other Health Conditions that Could Mimik a Scaly Mite Infection:

• Any swellings could also be caused by strangulated fibers or insect bites.


• Age: Scaly legs in canaries can also be a sign of old age (please refer to information below)


• Nutritional Deficiency: Birds deficient in vitamin A are particularly susceptible to this condition. Seeds are typically low in vitamin A. This vitamin promotes appetite, digestion, and also increases resistance to infection and to some parasites.

The most obvious sign of a vitamin A deficiency is a feather stain above the cere. The staining of the feathers above the nostrils reflects a discharge from the nostrils. Subtle differences may be seen as far as the color intensity of the cere and feathers is concerned - and the overall condition of the plumage. A bird deficient in this vitamin may have pale, rough-looking feathers that lack luster. The cere may look rough instead of smooth, and you may see an accumulation of a yellow dry scale on the sides of the beak.

Vitamin A occurs naturally in dark leafy greens and orange-colored produce, such as apricots, cantaloupes, carrots, red peppers, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. To resolve Vitamin A deficiency, try adding foods like sweet potatoes (either cooked or steamed until soft), mashed up with other fruits will be both loved by your pet bird, as much as it is good for her or him. Many birds also enjoy fresh carrot juice - or try offering shredded carrots. Natural sources are preferable over synthetically produced nutrients, which may not be absorbable and could easily be overdosed).

NEED A VET?
USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian

Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.

High Quality Species Photos, Videos and/or Articles Contributions are welcome! Click here to upload articles and images.

Please Note: The images on this page are the sole property of the photographers (unless marked as Public Domain). Please click on the image links to contact photographers directly for any copyright or licensing questions. Thank you.

The Avianweb strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!