The Chicken Shed

Mites

Mites are a common problem, especially when raising and keeping poultry.  There are several kinds of mites that can and will infest your birds, not just one variety.

Mites can be brought in by wild birds, such as starlings, sparrows, crows, swallows, or can be picked up at poultry shows, sales, or just about anyplace where there is contact with other avian life. They can also be carried in by rodents who enter the coops in search of food. In order to prevent illness and the destruction of your flock, early intervention is absolutely necessary.

Chicken Mites are the most common as they live on the skin of the birds, in the nest boxes, and in the bedding. They are nocturnal parasites and suck blood from the chicken while it sleeps. They are very small in size and yellowish gray in color, but turn dark as they feed. Keeping the coop clean is the best way to effectively combat chicken mites instead of treating the birds.

Northern Fowl Mites live on the bird itself and feeds around the clock. They are very small, reddish brown in color and often cause discoloration of chicken feathers due to their eggs and waste. Controlling the Northern Fowl Mite requires that the bird be treated directly instead of just the surroundings.

Infestation of these mites results in weakening, loss of appetite, emaciation, lowered egg production, lethargy, and sometimes death.

Scaley Leg Mites manifest themselves on the scales of the legs and feet. You will notice a lifting of the scales and separation from the skin of the leg underneath. Chicken legs and feet may become swollen, tender and have a discharge under the scales.

Poultry Lice

Another big problem of poultry is the many different forms of lice. Regardless of locality and geographic location, there will be variations of lice that are dominant in the area. Lice are small wingless insects, with chewing mouth parts. Unlike mites, lice do not suck blood but rather feed on dry skin scales and feathers. They cause irritation to the host bird with their movement and chewing action. Poultry lice infection generally results in weak birds, lower egg production levels and makes the birds more susceptible to illnesses.

Treatment

There are many off-the-shelf products that can be used for treatment of mites and poultry lice infectivity.

Sevin powder is proven to be very effective against both parasites and can be used on the coops and directly on the birds themselves. Re-treatment is recommended in order to neutralize the eggs that will hatch and reinfest the chickens and their coops.

Orange Guard is a non-toxic and very effective organic treatment for chicken coops but cannot be directly used on the chickens.

Eprinex is an example of a pour-on medication that can address both infestations.

Scaley leg mites can best be treated with direct contact. Apply petroleum jelly, vegetable, mineral, or linseed oil on chicken legs every two days until the scales are smooth again.

Prevention

Prevention is almost impossible.  However, early detection is the next best way to control louse and mite infestations. You should always keep the chicken coops and bedding clean and fresh. Regularly scrub coop and nesting boxes with disinfectant, soap and water, and make sure to inspect your flock regularly to see if there are signs of any infestation in order to correct the problem before any harm is done.