Today, we’re talking about the not-so-fun side of chicken keeping...mites! Yuck! I think mites and lice are every backyard chicken owner’s nightmare. They are invasive and can be tough to deal with if they show up and infest your coop.
However, most people don’t realize that mites are a common pest that can affect chickens, leading to discomfort, decreased egg production and overall health issues. These tiny parasites thrive under the right conditions, so it’s important for backyard chicken owners to stay on top of prevention and treatment.
Common Chicken Mites & How to Spot Them
There are several types of mites that can infest chickens, but the most common ones include:
Red Mites: These mites are usually found in the chicken’s bedding and are most active at night. Red mites feed on the chicken’s blood, causing severe irritation and even death if left untreated. Before they feed, red mites are often grey in color, but after feeding, they turn a dark red which makes them easier to spot. You might not see them directly on your chickens during the day, but they leave behind red or black specks in the bedding, perches or coop walls. If your chickens seem restless at night, red mites could be the cause. Ick!
Picture credit: Poultrykeeper.com
Northern Fowl Mites: Commonly found on adult birds and, unlike red mites, northern fowl mites live on chickens all day long. These mites feed on the chicken’s blood, which can lead to anemia in severe infestations. You’ll often notice dark patches of mite droppings and eggs around the base of the chicken’s feathers, especially near the vent area. These mites are tiny and can range in color—often grey or opaque, but they turn red for a few hours after feeding, making them easy to confuse with red mites.
Picture Credit: Dare 2 Dream Farms
Scaly Leg Mites: This type of mite burrows under the scales of a chicken’s legs and feet, causing visible scaling, crusting and discomfort. As these mites burrow deeper, they push the scales outward, making the legs look raised or bumpy. Chickens infected with scaly leg mites will often have swollen or deformed legs, and their legs may appear crusty and pale. These mites are microscopic and not easily visible to the naked eye, but the damage they cause is very noticeable.
Picture credit: Poultrykeeper.com
Chicken Mite Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of a mite infestation early can help eliminate a sad outcome. Look for the following signs:
Increased scratching and pecking at the skin: Chickens will scratch frantically if they are uncomfortable.
Loss of feathers: Mites can cause feather loss, particularly on the back or around the vent area.
Irritated or inflamed skin: Check for redness or swelling.
Decreased egg production: A sudden drop in laying can indicate health issues, including mite infestations.
Changes in behavior: Chickens may appear lethargic or withdrawn.
Treatment Options for Chicken Mites
The first step in treating mites is to improve your flock’s living conditions. Keeping a clean coop is so important to the health and well-being of your flock! Chickens are dusty and dirty birds, but keeping a clean coop will help eliminate pests.
Clean the coop: Remove all bedding, clean and disinfect the coop and reinstall fresh bedding. This helps eliminate mite eggs and larvae.
Regularly change bedding: Keeping the area clean will help prevent re-infestation.
Isolation: If you notice any chickens showing signs of mite infestations, it’s wise to isolate them temporarily to prevent the spread of mites to the rest of the flock.
Elector PSP: One of the most effective ways to deal with mites and it’s poultry safe! There is no egg withdrawal period.
Coop Recuperate: A safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odor and moisture and help improve the quality of your compost. This repels those little pests!
Preen Queen: A dust bath additive containing zeolite, diatomaceous earth, peppermint and citronella essential oils to help remove excess oil from your chickens’ body. This is also very effective in combating infestations.
Flock Fixer: A vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health. It is super beneficial in times of stress, and mites are stressful! Flock Fixer will ensure your chickens are getting proper nutrients to support their bodies’ systems.
Treating Scaly Leg Mites
For scaly leg mites, you can apply topical treatments such as Vaseline or mineral oil. You simply apply to the affected legs to suffocate the mites. If that doesn’t work, you can try Ivermectin. Consult your veterinarian about using this for internal and external parasites.
Consistency is Key in Mite Prevention
Mite infestations can be a serious issue for flock health, but with proper management and effective treatments, you can keep your chickens healthy and comfortable. Regular cleaning and inspection of your flock will go a long way in preventing and controlling mite problems! It doesn’t take much, it just takes consistency. Chicken’s thrive in consistency!
Until next time! And praying you never have to deal with mites!
–The Wing Lady
Coop Recuperate - Freshen Up Your Chicken Coop
Coop Recuperate is a safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odor and moisture and help improve the quality of your compost.
Preen Queen - Dust Bath Additive for Chickens Preen Queen is a dust bath additive containing zeolite, diatomaceous earth, peppermint and citronella essential oils to help remove excess oil from your chickens’ body. Simply add Preen Queen to your dust bath to keep their feathers clean and pristine.
Flock Fixer - Hydrate & Restore Health During Times of Challenge
You can’t always see it, but your flock will experience a weakened immune system during times of challenge. Flock Fixer is a vitamin-rich additive that helps hydrate, restore vital nutrients and balance digestive health.