Scaly leg in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Scaly leg disease or scaly face is a common skin disease in caged budgerigars caused by Cnemidocoptes pilae. A flock of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were presented with a history of beak deformity and white, crusty lesions around the limbs and feet, discomfort, fluffed feathers, inability to grip the perch, constant pecking at the feet as well as scratching of leg area. Microscopic examination of scrapings taken from the affected area revealed the presence of Cnemidocoptes pilae. The budgerigars were treated with ivermectin @ 200 microgram/kg b. wt. per os along with a drop of fipronil 0.25% w/v topical application on the limbs at the hock joint. Subsequently, gradual reduction of crusty lesions was noticed. The treatment regimen was continued once in 10 days interval for three times until the very end, resulting in complete recovery in 30 days.