Pigeon lice are external parasites (ectoparasites), like mites and fleas. Most species are chewing lice that feed on feathers and skin debris rather than blood. Healthy pigeons usually cope with them and vets regard an infestation as mild and easy to treat, but heavy infestations weaken birds and can be dangerous for sick or very young pigeons. Lice cannot jump: they spread by direct contact, for example in the nest or when birds roost together. Adults live about a month and their eggs, laid among the feathers, hatch within about a week.
Please note: this article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from an avian vet or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you have found an injured or sick bird, contact a vet or your local rescue (see our list of pigeon-friendly rescue centres).
Symptoms of Pigeon Lice
If a pigeon is restless, seems irritated, or is prone to excessive preening, such as constant ruffling of their feathers or scratching, then they might have lice.
If a bird is listless, that’s a good reason to check for lice.
Another sign is their feathers taking on a ragged appearance.
Lice are tiny and difficult to detect, some need a magnifying glass to spot.
To the naked eye, they look like very small brownish specks.
Another way to tell if your pigeons have lice is to inspect their feathers, especially the wing and tail feathers held up to the light.
Lice chew small holes in the feather vanes, known as ‘pinholes’.
If you see those, your pigeons very likely have lice.
Luckily, lice don’t survive more than a couple of days without their host, so quick intervention with treatment and isolation could save the rest of your birds from becoming infected.
How To Treat Pigeon Lice
Different treatments can be found at pet stores or pet accessory outlets, but it is best to check with a specialist avian veterinarian to find out which species of lice you are dealing with before you set about treating your birds.
Once they know what kind of lice it is, they can recommend the correct medication.
These delousing medications can be either an external insecticide, such as a dip or a spray, or an oral dose.
Some experienced bird fanciers may have their own remedies, which have worked for them in the past, so check with them, but also with a vet.
Do not use any lice treatment made for humans on your birds, only those made for avian medication.
Feathers that have been lost to lice damage will grow back.
Cleaning
It goes without saying that one pigeon found with lice should be isolated at once and treated until you are sure that all the lice are exterminated, so others aren’t infected.
Whatever the case, one or more birds, you will have to clean the cage or loft.
The area in which you keep your birds should be thoroughly swept and disinfected to stop a recurrence of the infestation.
Pigeon lice can cause skin irritations (opens in new tab) in people, although they can’t live on humans, so cover up and use gloves when cleaning up and handling infected birds.
Parasites
Pigeon lice and other parasites are unfortunate but are part and parcel of keeping these wonderful birds.
At some point your pets will probably be plagued by lice, but don’t worry about it, it’s just one of the bugbears of being a pigeon fancier.
All you need to do is be prepared and act quickly to alleviate your birds from this affliction as rapidly and as safely as possible.
This guide is general information. If a bird is injured or seriously ill, contact an avian vet or a wildlife rescue as soon as you can.
Sources:
- Lousicidal effect of deltamethrin in domestic pigeons (opens in new tab)
- Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases of Columbiformes (opens in new tab)
- Control of biting lice, Mallophaga – a review (opens in new tab)
Last updated 1 November 2026 · Health