Vetafarm Psittavet - Psittacosis in Birds
Vetafarm Psittavet - Psittacosis in Birds
Vetafarm Psittavet
Psittacosis in birds (also called ornithosis or parrot fever) is the main labeled use for this Vetafarm water-soluble doxycycline powder — mix into drinking water for caged and aviary birds and pigeons when a vet directs treatment.
Quick product facts
- Brand: Vetafarm
- Form: water-soluble powder
- Active: doxycycline hydrochloride 40 mg/g (4%)
- Use: drinking-water medication
- Sizes on this listing: 25 g and 100 g
- SKUs: VF-PSITAVET-25 / VF-PSITAVET-100
Before using
- Confirm diagnosis and species suitability with a vet
- Match the mixing rate on the pack you receive
- Remove other drinking-water sources during treatment
- Do not use in birds producing meat or eggs for people
Veterinary diagnosis first: Respiratory signs in birds have many causes. Confirm the condition and the mixing rate with a licensed veterinarian, and follow the label in the container you receive.
Not for food-producing birds: Do not use in birds producing meat or eggs for human consumption.
Zoonotic risk: Psittacosis can affect people. Use precautions when handling sick birds, cages, and droppings. Talk with a veterinarian or physician about exposure. See Pet Megamart’s psittacosis page.
What it is labeled for
Manufacturer labeling lists Psittavet for treatment of psittacosis / ornithosis caused by Chlamydia psittaci, and for other susceptible bacterial diseases, in caged and aviary birds and pigeons via drinking water.
Not effective against viruses, fungi, or parasites. If birds do not improve, reassess with a vet.
How to mix | Vetafarm directions
| Birds | Published mix rate | About this volume |
|---|---|---|
| Parrots | 4 g in 400 mL drinking water | ~13.5 US fl oz |
| Pigeons | 4 g in 800 mL drinking water | ~27 US fl oz |
- Remove other water sources while treating
- Change medicated water daily
Label first: If your pack lists a different rate or duration, follow that pack and your veterinarian.
Active | Label
| Active | Strength |
|---|---|
| Doxycycline hydrochloride | 40 mg/g (4%) |
Course length | Vetafarm directions
- Chlamydial infections: treat for 45 days; no other water; change medicated water daily
- Other susceptible infections: treat for 7–10 days; change water daily
Mixing and handling notes
- Use glass, stainless steel, or glazed pottery drinkers — not terracotta, plastic, or galvanized metal
- Keep medicated water out of direct sun
- Do not mix other chemicals with Psittavet
- Avoid treating in cold, wet weather when birds drink very little
- Replenish in the evening so birds have medicated water before roosting and at first light
- Prepared solution may be refrigerated; published directions commonly allow 7–10 days refrigerated storage
After antibiotics
Antibiotics can disrupt gut flora. Many keepers follow with a bird probiotic — ask your vet for timing. Probiotic Plus
Sizes on this listing
Offered as 25 g (VF-PSITAVET-25) and 100 g (VF-PSITAVET-100).
Not the same as…
- Vetafarm Doxyvet Liquid — liquid doxycycline (different strength and dosing)
- Doxycycline + Tylosin powder — combo powder (ornithose psittacose listing)
- Doxycycline 20% powder — generic 20% powder, not Vetafarm
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Safety Notice
For animal use only. Not for human use.
Not for birds whose meat or eggs will be consumed by humans.
Keep out of reach of children. Do not exceed the labeled mixing rate.
This product is not a substitute for a veterinary diagnosis.