What should you do if your new passage bird has lice?

Treating a new passage bird with two percent Sevin dust is a correct approach for managing a lice infestation. Sevin dust is an insecticide that can effectively target and eliminate external parasites like lice. It is essential for bird keepers to ensure that any treatment used is safe for the specific species of raptor, as some chemicals can be harmful to birds.

While it may be tempting to consider other options, such as IV Ivermectin, this method is typically more suited for internal parasites rather than external ones like lice and should be administered under a veterinarian's guidance. Releasing the bird due to an infestation is not a practical or humane solution, as it may put the bird at greater risk in the wild. Transporting the bird to a raptor veterinarian may be necessary in severe cases or if there are complications, but for a straightforward lice treatment, applying Sevin dust is an immediate and effective measure. Proper care and treatment are crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of the bird.