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How to Get Rid of Scaley Mites on a Canary's Legs

Scaley leg mites cause white or gray crusty lesions on your pet canary's legs and feet. The tiny parasites live, breed and lay eggs under the scales of the bird's skin, which cause a buildup of scales that can lead to a deformity in your bird's legs, if left untreated. If you discover scaley mites on your canary's legs, treat immediately before any health problems occur.

Things You'll Need

Chamomile tea
Petroleum jelly
Cotton swab
Warm wet washcloth
Mite spray

Instructions

- 1
  Brew some chamomile tea, and place the warm, wet tea bags directly on your canary's legs for about two minutes. This will loosen up the scaley mites and help soothe the birds skin.
- 2
  Apply some petroleum jelly to your canary's legs several times a day to suffocate the mites. Use a cotton swab to gently apply it several times a day. Reapply the gel every three or four days for two weeks to make sure the mites are dead.
- 3
  Remove the scales off your canary's legs once they begin to heal. Use a warm wet washcloth to gently pull the scales away. If they do not come off easily, then allow to fall off independently.
- 4
  Spray your canary's cage with a mite spray to kill any mites that are hiding in the cracks and crevices of the cage. You can purchase some mite spray from your local pet store.

Insects & Science