Ticks on my birds!

[Bevb]

I have noticed over the last few weeks that a number of birds have ticks on them, i have attached pictures of a young blue tit (picture not good) but you can see the tick on its face, also the greenfinch has one on its face, there is also a couple of sparrows with them, but i have'nt managed to get their pictures yet, its quite a worry as these things can make birds and animals very weak, which can lead to death.

Paulnj perhaps you can advise on this matter, as its the first year i have noticed so many birds with them.

Oh and one the the regular greenfinch visitors has a very bald head! whats happening to my birds??

[payn817]

Bev, I tried to do some research, and it seems to come in waves. With the heat waves, the ticks are more active, and this is why infestation may be worse. I tried to look for something you could put in your feeder to help the birds, but came up with nothing.

[paulnj]

I wouldn't worry too much because 1 or 2 ticks won't suck a bird dry . The ticks are quite large already, so will fall off soon anyway. That hald patch is mostl;ikely just a molt, which happens naturally.

[Bevb]

Thanks for doing that payn817 much appreciated.

Thanks Paulnj, i thought as payn817 said it could be the heat, as we have had a very hot dry couple of months, although the heavens have opened now! i know when they get on the dogs they fill and drop off, but the dogs are obviously treated for ticks.

Thanks again guys.

[paulnj]

There is also an insect(blow fly) that lays eggs in nests and the larva attaches to the chick or parent. Bird banders see that frequently, but I myself haven't yet.

What you are seeing is a female "hard tick" feeding so she can lay more eggs, males don't drink that much blood