Keeping Chickens: Chicken Health

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Mites

All poultry can be affected by mites and red mite is a particular problem. Insectiside sprays which specifcaly target red mite are available from poultry suppliers and can be applied directly to the affected bird and also used to treat the housing and nest boxes.
Red mites are a type of ectoparasite in that they live outside of the chickens body.

Red mites mainly infest the housing and feed of the birds body causing considerable discomfort to the chicken and in the case of sever infestation can lead to acute stress and eventually death.

You can spot the signs of a red mite infestation by observing the birds and looking for signs of restlessness or irritation. The comb and wattles may also become pale and anemic and the bird may show signs of losing weight. Egg production will also be noticeably reduced.

Where red mite is present on a chickens body it is also present in the coop and living quarters as the two go hand in hand. Look in joints and crevices in the structure of the coop and also on perches.

Red mite, when discovered in your chicken coop is relatively easy to treat if it is not allowe to develop into infestation. The use of a proprietry red mite spray or dust applied directly to the birds and to all surfaces of the chicken coop and perches is usually sufficient to bring it under control.

Where heavier infestations occur it is advisable to strip down the chicken coop and thoroughly wash the surfaces with a sanitising solution. Take particular care to wash out the corners and joints and any other crevices. Wash all surfaces of any perches and roosts before returning them to the chicken coop. Replace all bedding and treat the individual chickens with a red mite spray or powder.

This should be sufficient to bring the infestation under control but periodic spraying may be required to ensure the live stock and chicken coop is not re-infested.
Another useful way of controling red mite is to provide a dust bath for your chickens. All birds in the wild use dust baths to keep plumage in good condition and will enjoy the addition of one to the coop. You can also infuse the dust bath with red mite powder to indirectly treat the chickens.