Canaries and finches more commonly have their legs and feet affected by these mites. Their legs become scaly and crusty and their claws become overgrown and cracked. Affected birds often become unable to perch. Secondary bacterial infection and arthritis may occur. These mites are microscopic.
Diagnosis is based upon the characteristic physical appearance they produce and skin scrapings.
These mites may be affectively treated with ivermectin, an insecticide. Untreated and sometimes treated birds may develop permanent disfigurement. These mites tunnel into feather follicles and feather shafts causing severe itching and feather loss. Additional disorders such as myialges nudus mites, xanthomas skin patches, ulcerative dermatitis, abscesses and tumors of the uropygial or preen gland and bumble foot are covered in Common Skin and Feather Disorders Part II . She has a small animal and avian practice in New York.