wormyBenzyl benzoate
An older mite treatment applied to the skin. In Australia it is in Aristopet Scaly Face & Leg Treatment for budgerigars, canaries, finches and parrots.
Benzyl benzoate is an older mite treatment that goes on the skin. In Australia it is in Aristopet Scaly Face & Leg Treatment for Ornamental Birds, at 75 g/L in liquid paraffin (790 g/L). It treats scaly face and scaly leg caused by the mite Cnemidocoptes pilae in budgerigars, canaries, finches and parrots.
How it's used. The label says to apply it to the affected area once a day for 3 to 4 days with a cotton bud or small brush, then repeat 1 to 2 weeks later to stop the mites coming back. Hold the bird's head firmly so it doesn't swallow any. Use it sparingly near the beak, and don't apply it to more than 20% of the body surface at once.
About scaly face. The Merck Veterinary Manual says this mite is common in budgerigars and rare in other parrots. In budgies it causes white, porous, crusty growths at the corners of the mouth, cere and beak, sometimes around the eyes, legs or vent. In canaries and finches crusts form on the legs and toes ("tassel foot"). The beak can grow out of shape. Vets usually recognise it on sight or confirm it with a scraping, and they have other treatments. If the beak or eyes are affected or your bird seems unwell, see an avian vet.
