How do you kill mites in caged birds?

Bird-specific medications and over-the-counter insecticides, such as Scatt for birds, are acceptable products for killing mites, according BeautyofBirds.com. The bird, its cage and the surrounding environment must all be treated in order to eradicate the mites.

Mites are not the sole reason why a bird's feathers are in bad shape, explains ExoticPetVet.net. Over-preening, chewing, feather-pulling by cage-mates and nutritional problems contribute to a bird having poor feathers. It is important to have a veterinarian make a diagnosis before treatment. Any medications and pesticides must be labeled as safe for birds. All birds in the cage should be treated, regardless of if they show symptoms.