Each worm type requires different treatment, with diagnosis normally given by an avian veterinarian.
Tapeworm are difficult to detect, even by a vet. Treatment is generally by eradication of the insects carrying the eggs, so use of an insecticide in and around the aviary.
Roundworm are the most commonly found parasite in budgies and cockatiels so bird worming products for this are readily available at pet suppliers or via the internet. It normally comes as a water-soluble treatment, where you dissolve the medication in your bird’s drinking water. It is generally not as effective as you have to rely on your bird’s intake of the medicated water, and without watching your budgie or cockatiel for 24 hours you cannot be sure of this.
The best way to worm your pet bird is to have an avian vet or a bird specialty shop give a direct dose of medication into the bird’s crop by using a ‘‘gavage needle”. If you do suspect your pet bird has worms, ask for a laxative to be added to the worming treatment. The laxative will help your birds pass the worms more easily; without it, dislodging a heavy infestation may cause intestinal blockage.
Tapeworm eggs are passed in a bird’s droppings, then eaten by small insects such as snails and beetles. Birds then eat the insects. For this reason, tapeworm are more commonly found in insect eating birds, rather than seedeaters.
