Feeding wild birds and risk of mites to pets

[rockybird]

I started feeding the wild sparrows and doves a couple months ago. Years ago I used a bird feeder, but we had rain and the feeder turned black with mold. I threw it out and quit feeding the wild birds. Well, this winter I started feeding them again. I throw the seed my birds dont eat outside on the back lawn next to the courtyard. Their cages are in the large window bordering the courtyard and they can watch the birds feed while I am at work. I talked with the Health Dept. in Phoenix who actually recommended this manner of feeding over a feeder to lessen the risk of W. Nile virus spread. So, every AM, I throw out seed about 6-8 feet from my patio doors. Now the wild birds are bringing their babies to eat also.

Well, tonight I saw my caique scratch his ear. He always scratches his ears, yawns and sneezes. I have taken him to the vet twice who says he is fine, and I believe him. But tonight it seemed like a longer scratch than normal. Mites never occured to me. I looked it up on the internet and I read about red mites and how they can be passed onto pet birds from the wild birds.

Now I am paranoid! I dont want mites on my birds or in my house. Should I stop feeding the birds? Just cold turkey like that? Am I being paranoid? I hate the idea of not feeding the wild birds but I cant bear the thought of my birds with a disease! I never take them in the back yard with me, but I fear I could bring the mites on my shoes, or worse, I hear they will travel into a house!

I may take my birds to the vet just to get checked, although they seem fine. I have a white sheet over the caique's cage. I read to do this to look for red specks in the AM. I inspected his night cage, and him, tonight and do not see anything. Does anyone have any experience with mites, so I know what to look for?

[kali]

DO YOU SPRAY HIM REGULARLY WITH A MITE AND LICE SPRAY? (oops caps) i do it once a month and spray any branches i put in the cage too. that could help..

[rockybird]

Well I think I am freaking out. My bird's feathers look healthy. I covered the caique's night cage with a white sheet and did not see any mites on it in the AM. He is not scratching at all today. I think I will spray outside however.

kali, what do you use to spray?

Thanks!