How To Identify And Treat Red Mite Infestation In Chickens

How To Identify And Treat Red Mite Infestation In Chickens

Red mite infestation is one of the most common and challenging problems faced by chicken keepers. These tiny parasites can cause serious health issues for your flock if not dealt with quickly and effectively. This guide will help you identify the signs of red mites, understand how they affect chickens, and explain how to treat and prevent infestations.

What are red mites?

Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are tiny blood-sucking parasites that affect poultry. Despite the name, they are usually pale grey or white and only turn red after feeding on a host. They belong to the arachnid family, like spiders, and measure around 1mm in length.

Red mites are nocturnal. They feed on chickens while they roost at night, then hide during the day in cracks, crevices, or under coop roofing. They do not live permanently on the birds, which can make them harder to detect.

These parasites reproduce quickly, with a life cycle of just seven days. A small number of mites can quickly become a large infestation, especially in warm weather. Though they seem to disappear in winter, their eggs can remain dormant until temperatures rise again in spring or summer.

How dangerous are red mites?

Red mites can seriously affect your chickens’ health. In small numbers, they cause irritation and stress, leading to feather loss and reduced egg laying. In larger numbers, they can cause anaemia, leaving hens weak, lethargic and vulnerable to illness. In severe cases, red mite infestations can be fatal.

They also carry diseases such as salmonella and may cause skin irritation (dermatitis) in humans who handle infested birds or equipment.

How to check for red mites

Red mite inspections should be a regular part of coop maintenance. You don’t need to wait until chickens show symptoms, as early detection makes treatment much easier.

Where to look:

• Check dark, hidden areas of the coop, such as cracks in woodwork, the ends of perches, nesting box corners and underneath felt roofing
• At night, wipe perches with a tissue, as feeding mites may leave blood smears or crushed bodies
• If checking birds directly, look under the wings, around the vent and on the legs, but this is usually harder than inspecting the coop itself

Symptoms of red mite infestation in chickens

Signs your chickens may be affected include:

• Pale comb and wattles
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Feather plucking or over-grooming
• Reluctance to enter the coop at night
• Drop in egg production
• Hens laying eggs in unusual places

Preventing red mite infestations

Prevention is easier than treatment. The most common preventative method is the use of diatomaceous earth (often called diatom powder). This natural, chemical-free substance damages the mites’ outer shells, causing them to die from dehydration.

How to use it:

• Sprinkle it on the floor of the coop, inside nesting boxes and in dust baths
• Dust perch ends, cracks and crevices where mites hide or travel
• Ensure mites must cross the powder to reach the chickens
• Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling the powder

Regular weekly cleaning and the use of diatom powder will help keep mites under control.

How to treat a red mite infestation

If your flock has red mites, you will need to take thorough action.

1. Deep clean the coop

• Remove all bedding and dispose of it in sealed garden waste bags, or burn it if safe to do so
• Empty the coop completely, including perches, feeders and waterers

2. Use Poultry Shield
Poultry Shield is a non-toxic, alkaline cleaner used by many poultry keepers. It is suitable for organic systems and can be used while hens are present, though a full clean is easier with the coop empty.

• Dilute the concentrate at 1 part Poultry Shield to 9 parts water
• Use a hand sprayer to soak all interior surfaces, paying attention to joints, corners and crevices
• Soak removable items such as nest boxes and perches separately
• Leave everything to sit for an hour, then scrub and rinse thoroughly
• Wash feeders, waterers and surrounding areas too

3. Address roofing
If your coop has felt roofing and mites have got underneath, Poultry Shield will not be able to reach them. In this case, you should replace the roof or switch to a non-felt covering.

4. Repeat after 6 days
Red mites hatch every 7 days, so you must clean again on day 6 to break the cycle. Otherwise, any remaining eggs may hatch and restart the infestation.

5. Monitor regularly
Continue weekly cleaning and inspections, especially in summer, to prevent re-infestation.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If your chickens are showing signs of illness or you are unsure how to proceed, consult a qualified vet.