Ivermectin for Canaries

Bird · Serinus canaria domestica · typical adult weight 0.01–0.03 kg

Ivermectin is dosed at 0.2 mg/kg SC, topical on skin once; can repeat 1-2 wk for 3-4 applications in canaries, per Dorrestein GM, van Der Horst HH.A, Cremers HJ.W.M, et al. Quill mite (Dermoglyphus passerinus) infestation of canaries (Serinus canaria): diagnosis and treatment. Avian Pathol. 1997;26:195-199. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Birds). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Ivermectin is used in canaries for Quill mites, Knemidokoptes; also the tracheal mite Ptilonyssus morofskyi. Routes documented in canaries: SC, topical on skin. A typical adult canary weighs 0.01–0.03 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ivermectin in canaries, 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	Indication	Evidence	Source
SC, topical on skin	0.2 mg/kg	once; can repeat 1-2 wk for 3-4 applications	Quill mites, Knemidokoptes; also the tracheal mite Ptilonyssus morofskyi	Moderate	Dorrestein GM, van Der Horst HH.A, Cremers HJ.W.M, et al. Quill mite (Dermoglyphus passerinus) infestation of canaries (Serinus canaria): diagnosis and treatment. Avian Pathol. 1997;26:195-199. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.4 (Antiparasitic Agents Used in Birds). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929

What each reference text prints

Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.

Printed doses in mcg/kg for this drug and species, by source
Dose (mcg/kg)	Route	Source	As printed
200	IM	BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.184	200 μg (micrograms)/kg i.m., s.c., p.o. q7-14d a

Printed doses in mg/kg for this drug and species, by source
Dose (mg/kg)	Route	Source	As printed
0.2	PO	Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 5.4	- 0.2 mg/kg PO, SC, IM once, Most sp can repeat in 10-14 days,159,378,442,564,663,873
0.2–0.4	PO	Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 5.4	0.2-0.4 mg/kg PO, SC, repeat 7-14 days

Report an error in this entry

Need the exact dose for your patient?

These ranges are per kg. Enter your canary's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.

Calculate for this canary →

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 canaries 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 Canaries?

Ivermectin dose range in canaries, with cited source references: SC, topical on skin 0.2 mg/kg once; can repeat 1-2 wk for 3-4 applications. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.

How is Ivermectin administered in Canaries?

Documented routes for Ivermectin in canaries: SC, topical on skin.

What conditions does Ivermectin treat in Canaries?

Ivermectin is indicated in canaries for: Quill mites, Knemidokoptes; also the tracheal mite Ptilonyssus morofskyi.

What are the side effects of Ivermectin in Canaries?

These are general warnings for Ivermectin across species; consult the canary 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 canary dosing

Mebendazole Ronidazole Toltrazuril

Ivermectin dosing in other species

African Grey Parrots Blue-and-Gold Macaws Budgerigars Domestic Pigeons Green-cheeked Conures Lovebirds Umbrella Cockatoos Zebra Finches

See all species for Ivermectin See all drugs for Canaries

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 canaries — 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.