If your chickens are restless, pecking at themselves, or showing signs of feather loss, mites might be the hidden enemy. These tiny parasites are more than a nuisance—they can make your birds miserable and even lead to serious health problems.
What Are Poultry Mites?
Poultry mites are external parasites that feed on chickens’ blood, skin, or feather debris. The most common types are:
- Red Mites (Dermanyssus gallinae): Hide in the coop during the day and feed on birds at night.
- Northern Fowl Mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum): Live full-time on the bird, especially near the vent area.
Why They’re a Problem
Irritation and Feather Loss: Mites cause constant itching and pecking, leading to bald spots and broken feathers.
Anemia and Death: Severe infestations can drain blood and weaken birds, sometimes fatally.
Reduced Egg Production: Stressed, uncomfortable hens don’t lay well.
Spread of Disease: Mites can carry other pathogens and quickly jump from bird to bird.
Signs of an Infestation
Constant preening or scratching
Pale combs and wattles (a sign of anemia)
Visible mites on skin or around vents
Tiny blood spots on eggs
Grayish clumps under feathers or in nest boxes
Prevention and Treatment
Dust Baths: Provide dry areas with sand or diatomaceous earth for chickens to clean themselves naturally.
Clean the Coop Weekly: Pay special attention to cracks and corners where mites hide.
Use Poultry-Safe Insecticides: Products like permethrin sprays or natural mite powders can help.
Replace Bedding Frequently: Dirty bedding is a mite magnet.
Quarantine New Birds: Always check new additions to your flock for mites before integrating them.