Ivermectin for African Grey Parrots

Bird · Psittacus erithacus · typical adult weight 0.40–0.65 kg

Ivermectin is dosed at 0.2 mg/kg PO once in african grey parrots, per Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. / 873. Smith JA. Passeriformes (songbirds, perching birds). In: Miller RE, Fowler ME, eds. Fowler’s Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 2015;Vol 8, Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 236-246. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7234-3832-8.00023-7 — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 (2026-08-01).. Ivermectin is used in african grey parrots for Gastrointestinal nematodes, Knemidocoptes mites (scaly face/leg), Ectoparasites, feather mites. Routes documented in african grey parrots: PO, SC, TOPICAL. A typical adult african grey parrot weighs 0.40–0.65 kg. ExoticRx lists 3 cited dose rules for Ivermectin in african grey parrots, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

US trade names: Ivomec, Heartgard

Contraindicated in Tortoise / Turtle

Tortoise / Turtle: Ivermectin causes fatal toxicosis in chelonians at doses other reptiles tolerateChelonians are far more sensitive than lizards and snakes: doses routine elsewhere in reptile practice have produced paralysis and death in turtles and tortoises. Do not use ivermectin in chelonians; use fenbendazole or another alternative. (The cited study did find 0.05 mg/kg IM tolerated in red-footed tortoises when not repeated inside 7 days, so the hazard is dose- and interval-dependent rather than absolute — but that margin is far too narrow to work to in a clinical setting.)

Dose ranges

Route	Dose	Frequency	Duration	Indication	Evidence	Source
PO	0.2 mg/kg	once	Single dose; repeat in 10-14 days	Gastrointestinal nematodes	Moderate	Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. / 873. Smith JA. Passeriformes (songbirds, perching birds). In: Miller RE, Fowler ME, eds. Fowler’s Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 2015;Vol 8, Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 236-246. doi:10.1016/b978-0-7234-3832-8.00023-7 — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 (2026-08-01).
SC	0.2 mg/kg	q14d	3-4 treatments	Knemidocoptes mites (scaly face/leg)	Strong	Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. / 159. Formulary. In: Chitty J, Lierz M, eds. BSAVA Manual of Raptors, Pigeons and Passerine Birds; British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Gloucester, UK; 2008:384-390. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 (2026-08-01).

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Mechanism of action

Potentiates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites.

Side effects & warnings

TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for african grey parrots may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dose of Ivermectin for African Grey Parrots?

Ivermectin dose ranges in african grey parrots, with cited source references: PO 0.2 mg/kg once; SC 0.2 mg/kg q14d; TOPICAL 0.2 mg/kg once. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.

How is Ivermectin administered in African Grey Parrots?

Documented routes for Ivermectin in african grey parrots: PO, SC, TOPICAL.

How long is Ivermectin given in African Grey Parrots?

Cited course lengths for Ivermectin in african grey parrots include: Single dose; repeat in 10-14 days; 3-4 treatments; Repeat in 10-14 days. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.

What conditions does Ivermectin treat in African Grey Parrots?

Ivermectin is indicated in african grey parrots for: Gastrointestinal nematodes, Knemidocoptes mites (scaly face/leg), Ectoparasites, feather mites.

What are the side effects of Ivermectin in African Grey Parrots?

These are general warnings for Ivermectin across species; consult the african grey parrot dosing table above for species-specific guidance. TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.

Other Antiparasitic drugs with african grey parrot dosing

Amprolium Carnidazole Fenbendazole Levamisole Oxfendazole Piperazine Ponazuril Praziquantel Toltrazuril

Ivermectin dosing in other species

African Pygmy Hedgehogs Ball Pythons Bearded Dragons Cats Cattle Chickens Chinchillas Dogs

See all species for Ivermectin See all drugs for African Grey Parrots

Why a species-specific page? Ivermectin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in african grey parrots — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.