Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We got a new puppy about a month or so ago and well he had fleas...Now the fleas have gotten out of control...are there any ways I can treat my home for the fleas that won't harm my birds?..I have over 30 birds...Zebra finches Gouldian parakeets...love birds conures cockatiels and quaker parrots...I want the fleas gone...but don't want to lose my birds in the process

I don't know of any 100% safe flea controls for use around birds. I do know many that are applied to your cat or dog are safe once they are fully dry (not that you would want to have your bird on your cat or dog where it would come into direct contact). As far as sprays, powders etc that you can use for your home (your carpet etc) I don't know of any that you can buy at a local store, your avian vet might be able to suggest some.

An older "home remedy" that I have used in the past and does seem to work: Use a somewhat shallow dishpan filling it with warm soapy water. Place it in the center of the floor at night in the room most apt to have fleas (or in each room fleas are at). Point a desk lamp, floor lamp etc directly toward the water and turn off all other lights. In the morning you will notice the water will be almost black from dead fleas. Repeat this for several weeks, up to a month until you notice fleas are gone.

As far as something you can use on your birds to keep fleas away from them. First if I remember correctly (I could be wrong ) fleas are bugs which will usually if not always only affect mammals. So they should not harm your bird, on the chance I am wrong LOL contact your avian vet see if fleas will harm your bird and ask what they would suggest for treatment.