Photos of mites and lice on chickens, what to look for when inspecting your chickens for mites and lice, how to spot symptoms, and information and products which will help you get rid of them.
Signs of Chicken Mites or LIce
Signs of Chicken Mites. (C). 2019. Chicken Heaven On Earth
You should have a parasite prevention and protection plan in place for your poultry flock or pet chickens. Mites and lice are the most common parasite infestations in chickens but they can be controlled if you take the time to prepare a prevention plan. Poultry lice do not suck blood like the kind of lice that are found on other animals but they do ingest some blood while feeding on dry skin scales, feathers, and scabs. Poultry lice cannot be transferred to people, they specifically prefer poultry. Chicken mites while they cannot be transferred to people, do suck the blood of chickens and other poultry. It is not a good idea to let other people enter any area where your chickens are without taking needed Bio security precautions such as, wearing disposable shoe coverings, gloves, hair covering, overcoats because mites, lice and disease can easily be carried onto your property by people, new flocks, crates, clothing, wild birds and even on vehicles. When introducing new birds to your flock it is recommended that you quarantine them for at least 2 weeks. (I quarantine new chickens for 30 to 60 days after inspection, bathing, parasite treatments, deworming, and vaccination if needed).
Regularly Inspect your birds
You cannot always tell if your chicken has mites simply by looking at them walking around outdoors unless they are severely infested and there is severe feather damage. You need to physically pick up and inspect your chickens regularly to catch any mite or lice infestations. The best way I have found to see if my chickens have mites is to pick them up and feel their under feathers. If I feel a lump on a feather shaft or clump of feathers I know they have mites so I give them a Chicken Spa Day. I bathe them in Dawn Dish Soap and warm water and let them soak at least five or ten minutes in a tub of water while I supervise (never leave a chicken unattended in a bath). After bathing them I take the bird out into the sunlight on a warm day and look under their feathers. If they have mites, lice, bites, or eggs it is very easy to spot this way. Chickens can be infested with more than one kind of lice or mite at the same time. Early detection can prevent large flock outbreaks of mites and lice and because of the restrictions that are in place for treatment of food producing chickens. Set aside a time one or two days a week where you can physically check your birds for signs of lice or mites. If you find any indication that they may have mites or lice, you need to treat the whole flock. Check every bird and remove heavily infested birds from the flock. (If I see signs of flea, lice or mite infestations I give every chicken a chicken spa day in a separate area and then give the coop and run a complete cleaning overhaul before returning the birds to their home
Regularly Inspect your birds
You cannot always tell if your chicken has mites simply by looking at them walking around outdoors unless they are severely infested and there is severe feather damage. You need to physically pick up and inspect your chickens regularly to catch any mite or lice infestations. The best way I have found to see if my chickens have mites is to pick them up and feel their under feathers. If I feel a lump on a feather shaft or clump of feathers I know they have mites so I give them a Chicken Spa Day. I bathe them in Dawn Dish Soap and warm water and let them soak at least five or ten minutes in a tub of water while I supervise (never leave a chicken unattended in a bath). After bathing them I take the bird out into the sunlight on a warm day and look under their feathers. If they have mites, lice, bites, or eggs it is very easy to spot this way. Chickens can be infested with more than one kind of lice or mite at the same time. Early detection can prevent large flock outbreaks of mites and lice and because of the restrictions that are in place for treatment of food producing chickens. Set aside a time one or two days a week where you can physically check your birds for signs of lice or mites. If you find any indication that they may have mites or lice, you need to treat the whole flock. Check every bird and remove heavily infested birds from the flock. (If I see signs of flea, lice or mite infestations I give every chicken a chicken spa day in a separate area and then give the coop and run a complete cleaning overhaul before returning the birds to their home
What to Look For When Inspecting your chickens & other birds for Mites and Lice
Signs of Chicken Mites. Matted feathers underneath outer feathers. White spots are mite eggs. (C). 2019. Chicken Heaven On Earth
Signs of Poultry Lice and Mites:
Damaged feathers on your bird
Dull or rough appearance to feathers Darkening of the feathers
Scabs (usually near the vent area), mite eggs along the feather shaft, live mites or lice or eggs around the vent and tail area. Watch for very tiny, six legged, flat bodied, wingless insects with broad round heads (or anything crawling under your birds feathers). Common poultry mites are straw colored insects and poultry lice are tiny black specks with round bodies. Northern red fowl mites are tiny red insects. Eggs are laid in the chickens feathers and can usually be found near the base of the feather shaft. A single female louse can lay 50 to 300 eggs at a time. Quill lice usually lay their eggs at the base of the feather shaft and these eggs are usually tiny white bumps that look like clusters of clumped up salt. The female louse cements them to the feather shaft while other types of poultry lice can be found almost anywhere on the chickens body. Chicken mites are dark brown or black, they mature in as little as 10 days and can quickly infest your flock, hen house, coops, and runs. They like to hide in cracks and crevices and come out at night to attack the birds. " Flocks infested with lice or mites show similar general symptoms. Birds will have decreased egg production; decreased weight gain; decreased carcass-grading quality; increased disease susceptibility; and decreased food intake. If any of these generalized symptoms are observed, a visual evaluation is recommended. Inspect birds around the ventral region for signs of lice or mites since infestations usually start in this area of the bird. Treatments Sanitation and cleanliness are the keys to lice and mite control" (1).
When You are Most Likely to Find Mite and Lice Infestations
Studies show fall and winter are the most common times to see lice infestations but chicken mites are more likely to be found during warmer weather. You can find them on your chickens but they also hide in nest boxes, in wood, tiny cracks and crevices, and in dirty litter. Use a white cloth to wipe down roosts, if you see blood spots or tiny insects on the cloth your birds have mites or lice.
Where Chicken Mites and Lice Like to Hide
Chicken mites ( I like to call them the chicken vampires) like to hide in cracks and crevices (especially in wood) during the day and then come out to suck the blood from their victims (like vampires) at night.
Damaged feathers on your bird
Dull or rough appearance to feathers Darkening of the feathers
Scabs (usually near the vent area), mite eggs along the feather shaft, live mites or lice or eggs around the vent and tail area. Watch for very tiny, six legged, flat bodied, wingless insects with broad round heads (or anything crawling under your birds feathers). Common poultry mites are straw colored insects and poultry lice are tiny black specks with round bodies. Northern red fowl mites are tiny red insects. Eggs are laid in the chickens feathers and can usually be found near the base of the feather shaft. A single female louse can lay 50 to 300 eggs at a time. Quill lice usually lay their eggs at the base of the feather shaft and these eggs are usually tiny white bumps that look like clusters of clumped up salt. The female louse cements them to the feather shaft while other types of poultry lice can be found almost anywhere on the chickens body. Chicken mites are dark brown or black, they mature in as little as 10 days and can quickly infest your flock, hen house, coops, and runs. They like to hide in cracks and crevices and come out at night to attack the birds. " Flocks infested with lice or mites show similar general symptoms. Birds will have decreased egg production; decreased weight gain; decreased carcass-grading quality; increased disease susceptibility; and decreased food intake. If any of these generalized symptoms are observed, a visual evaluation is recommended. Inspect birds around the ventral region for signs of lice or mites since infestations usually start in this area of the bird. Treatments Sanitation and cleanliness are the keys to lice and mite control" (1).
When You are Most Likely to Find Mite and Lice Infestations
Studies show fall and winter are the most common times to see lice infestations but chicken mites are more likely to be found during warmer weather. You can find them on your chickens but they also hide in nest boxes, in wood, tiny cracks and crevices, and in dirty litter. Use a white cloth to wipe down roosts, if you see blood spots or tiny insects on the cloth your birds have mites or lice.
Where Chicken Mites and Lice Like to Hide
Chicken mites ( I like to call them the chicken vampires) like to hide in cracks and crevices (especially in wood) during the day and then come out to suck the blood from their victims (like vampires) at night.
Photo of Eggs on Feather Shaft of a Chicken
Photo of chicken mite eggs at the base of the feather shaft. (c). 2019. Chicken Heaven On Earth
How to spot Symptoms of Mite & Lice Infestation in Chickens
Feather loss caused from poultry lice. (c). 2019. Chicken Heaven On Earth
General symptoms of mite and lice infestation in chicken flocks are:
Decreased egg production
Sudden weight loss (you cannot always tell by looking if your chickens are getting skinny under all them feathers. It is a good idea to pick your chickens up every couple days, if you notice one who has lost weight-separate it from the flock), de-worm them and check for mites or lice right away. (Make sure you bathe and change your clothing before returning to your flock after handling a sick or mite infested bird).
Decreased carcass-grading quality
Increased disease susceptibility
Loss of appetite
Feather loss or discoloration-some feathers may change colors or turn completely white.
Find lice pods of eggs around vent area
Matted feathers
Personality change-less active
Decreased egg production
Sudden weight loss (you cannot always tell by looking if your chickens are getting skinny under all them feathers. It is a good idea to pick your chickens up every couple days, if you notice one who has lost weight-separate it from the flock), de-worm them and check for mites or lice right away. (Make sure you bathe and change your clothing before returning to your flock after handling a sick or mite infested bird).
Decreased carcass-grading quality
Increased disease susceptibility
Loss of appetite
Feather loss or discoloration-some feathers may change colors or turn completely white.
Find lice pods of eggs around vent area
Matted feathers
Personality change-less active
MARTIN'S 825686 s Pen Poultry Insecticide Spray 32oz Quart, 1 Count (Pack of 1), For control of lice and mites. Ready-to-use. For use on poultry and in and around animal housing. Convenient two-setting sprayer: stream for spraying roosts, and fine mist for spraying directly on poultry. #miteandlicesprayforchickens, #miteandlicesprayforpoultry, #commissionsearned.
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Durvet Permethrin 10%, 8oz. Durvet Permethrin 10% livestock and premise spray concentrate provides knockdown, broad spectrum kill, and excellent residual activity for up to 28 days. Long-lasting livestock and premise spray kills horn, house and face flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, poultry lice, fowl mites, mange mites and more. For use on dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, swine, poultry, livestock premises and homes. (Note: Permethrin is deadly to cats until completely dry). #Duravetmiteandlicetreatment, #commissionsearned
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Photo of Feather Discoloration on a Chicken With mites
This roosters tail feathers started turning white after he contracted chicken mites.
As much as we like the idea of using natural or herbal methods for chicken mites and lice, once infested chemical control may become necessary. If you find this is the case, there are several methods you can use. 10% Sevin dust was traditionally used and most effective for parasite control for many years but there was some complications with it causing breathing and respiratory problems in chickens and many feed stores have taken it off their shelves. My local feed store told me that it was being "pulled off" because it was taken off the market because they are harmful to human health. See the booklet-What you need to know about pesticides and your health https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch_Pesticide_Booklet_97200_7.pdf
Natural mite and lice treatments:
Foodgrade DE (Diometaceous Earth) is a more natural method and works quite well to prevent and treat chickens and coops for general mite and lice control. After removing chickens from the coop, wear a facemask, cover all skin, where gloves and lightly dust inside and outside of chicken coop and runs. When dusting chickens the easiest way to do it is to put them in a sack with DE in it with their head sticking out. Shake the bag (not the chicken) and the dust will cover the bird without getting in their nostrils or interrupting their breathing.
"The use of a facial mask is recommended to prevent inhaling any medicated powder. Because the life cycle of lice and mites is. approximately 2 weeks, treatments should be repeated every 2 weeks as needed. Carefully read all labels prior to treatment to make sure withdrawal times are followed for food-producing poultry. Severe lice or mite infestations can be treated initially with a kitten strength dose of a pyrethrin-based medicated spray on the birds to reduce the initial numbers. If problems persist, contact a veterinarian for treatment with such medications as Ivermectin®. Prevention is the best method of treatment. For poultry used in exhibition or for new poultry entering the flock, a minimum quarantine period of 2 weeks is recommended. During this time birds should be physically examined and treated if needed (1).
Ivermectin has been found to be the most effective treatment for mites and lice in chickens and other poultry. Because the life cycle of lice and mites is. approximately 2 weeks, treatments should be repeated every 2 weeks as needed. Carefully read all labels prior to treatment to make sure withdrawal times are followed for food-producing poultry. Severe lice or mite infestations can be treated initially with a kitten strength dose of a pyrethrin-based medicated spray on the birds to reduce the initial numbers. If problems persist, contact a veterinarian for treatment with such medications as Ivermectin®. Prevention is the best method of treatment. For poultry used in exhibition or and then hide in the cracks and crevices of the houses during the day. Chicken Mites are dark brown or black, much like the Northern Fowl Mite. The life cycle of mites can be as little as 10 days, which allows for a quick turnover and heavy infestations. Mites can be transferred between fl ocks by crates, clothing, and wild birds. Mites are capable of living in the environment and off the host bird for a period of time. Diagnoses of mite infestations are similar to that of lice; however since mites can live off the bird and some are nocturnal, inspect birds and housing facilities at night especially if you suspect that the Chicken Mite is the cause of the infestation. Observable signs may include darkening of the feathers on white feathered birds due to mite feces; scabbing of the skin near the vent; mite eggs on the fl uff feathers and along the feather shaft (Figure 2); or congregations of mites around the vent, ventral abdomen, tail, or throat. Since mites congregate around the ventral region, they can also reduce a roosterʼs ability of successful matings... If problems persist, contact a veterinarian for treatment with such medications as Ivermectin®. Prevention is the best method of treatment" (1).
Prozap Garden & Poultry Dust-Controls Northern fowl mites on poultry, can be used on garden fruits, vegetables, and even roses.
Natural mite and lice treatments:
Foodgrade DE (Diometaceous Earth) is a more natural method and works quite well to prevent and treat chickens and coops for general mite and lice control. After removing chickens from the coop, wear a facemask, cover all skin, where gloves and lightly dust inside and outside of chicken coop and runs. When dusting chickens the easiest way to do it is to put them in a sack with DE in it with their head sticking out. Shake the bag (not the chicken) and the dust will cover the bird without getting in their nostrils or interrupting their breathing.
"The use of a facial mask is recommended to prevent inhaling any medicated powder. Because the life cycle of lice and mites is. approximately 2 weeks, treatments should be repeated every 2 weeks as needed. Carefully read all labels prior to treatment to make sure withdrawal times are followed for food-producing poultry. Severe lice or mite infestations can be treated initially with a kitten strength dose of a pyrethrin-based medicated spray on the birds to reduce the initial numbers. If problems persist, contact a veterinarian for treatment with such medications as Ivermectin®. Prevention is the best method of treatment. For poultry used in exhibition or for new poultry entering the flock, a minimum quarantine period of 2 weeks is recommended. During this time birds should be physically examined and treated if needed (1).
Ivermectin has been found to be the most effective treatment for mites and lice in chickens and other poultry. Because the life cycle of lice and mites is. approximately 2 weeks, treatments should be repeated every 2 weeks as needed. Carefully read all labels prior to treatment to make sure withdrawal times are followed for food-producing poultry. Severe lice or mite infestations can be treated initially with a kitten strength dose of a pyrethrin-based medicated spray on the birds to reduce the initial numbers. If problems persist, contact a veterinarian for treatment with such medications as Ivermectin®. Prevention is the best method of treatment. For poultry used in exhibition or and then hide in the cracks and crevices of the houses during the day. Chicken Mites are dark brown or black, much like the Northern Fowl Mite. The life cycle of mites can be as little as 10 days, which allows for a quick turnover and heavy infestations. Mites can be transferred between fl ocks by crates, clothing, and wild birds. Mites are capable of living in the environment and off the host bird for a period of time. Diagnoses of mite infestations are similar to that of lice; however since mites can live off the bird and some are nocturnal, inspect birds and housing facilities at night especially if you suspect that the Chicken Mite is the cause of the infestation. Observable signs may include darkening of the feathers on white feathered birds due to mite feces; scabbing of the skin near the vent; mite eggs on the fl uff feathers and along the feather shaft (Figure 2); or congregations of mites around the vent, ventral abdomen, tail, or throat. Since mites congregate around the ventral region, they can also reduce a roosterʼs ability of successful matings... If problems persist, contact a veterinarian for treatment with such medications as Ivermectin®. Prevention is the best method of treatment" (1).
Prozap Garden & Poultry Dust-Controls Northern fowl mites on poultry, can be used on garden fruits, vegetables, and even roses.
Mite Killer Spray by Premo Guard – 128 oz – Treatment for Dust Spider Bird Rat Mouse Carpet and Scabies Mites – Fast Acting 100% Effective – Child & Pet Safe – Best Natural Extended Protection. SAFE, NATURAL AND NON-TOXIC. Made from natural organic ingredients. Good for use in helping allergy and asthma sufferers. Use for entire home, farm, yard, or travel. Excellent natural treatment for backyard chicken coops, cages, pens, bedding, etc.
STAIN AND SCENT FREE. #Premomitekiller, #naturalmitekller, #treatmentforscabies, #treatment, #childandpetsafe, #commissionsearned
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(3 Pack) Y-Tex Poultry Dust 2 Pounds Each. Can be applied to a wide variety of plants and animals.
Garden and poultry dust delivers effective control of aphids, beetles, caterpillars, and plant bugs on a variety of vegetable and ornamental plants.
Poultry dust kills lice on swine and in their bedding.
Rest easy knowing your property is taken care of by a reliable garden and poultry dust. #poultrydust, #gardenparasitecontrol, #commissionsearned
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How to Prevent Your Chickens From Getting Mites and Lice
Keeping your chicken coop, runs, nest boxes and chickens clean is the key to lice and mite control. Wash roosts, nestboxes, walls and floors with Dawn dish soap and hot soapy water (using a steam cleaner works good too) every two weeks. Good sanitation methods are a must and include cleaning and disinfecting chicken houses, walls, floors, nest boxes, roosts, and anywhere your chickens live or go. You should also make sure that any new birds you introduce to your flock are lice and mite free before integrating them into your flock. Reducing the contact between your flock and wild birds will lessen the chances of them contracting mites, lice, and other bird diseases (You can do this by using poultry netting over your coop, runs, and feeding areas).
Information About Northern Fowl Mite/Tropical Fowl Mite & Chicken Mite (Red Roost Mite)
"The Northern Fowl Mite (or in tropical environments, the Tropical Fowl Mite) and the Chicken Mite (or Red Roost Mite). The Northern Fowl Mite is the most common external parasite in poultry, especially in cool weather climates. It sucks blood from all different types of fowl and can live in the temperate regions of the world. As compared to the Chicken Mite, the Northern Fowl Mite primarily remains on the host for its entire life cycle. These mites can live off the host bird for 2 to 3 weeks. These mites are small and black or brown in color, have 8 legs, and are commonly spread through bird-to-bird contact. The Tropical Fowl Mite is comparable to the Northern Fowl Mite but lives in the tropical regions. The Chicken Mite is a nocturnal mite that is primarily a warm weather pest. These mites suck the blood from the birds at night and then hide in the cracks and crevices of the houses during the day. Chicken Mites are dark brown or black, much like the Northern Fowl Mite. The life cycle of mites can be as little as 10 days, which allows for a quick turnover and heavy infestations. Mites can be transferred between flocks by crates, clothing, and wild birds. Mites are capable of living in the environment and off the host bird for a period of time. Diagnoses of mite infestations are similar to that of lice; however since mites can live off the bird and some are nocturnal, inspect birds and housing facilities at night especially if you suspect that the Chicken Mite is the cause of the infestation. Observable signs may include darkening of the feathers on white feathered birds due to mite feces; scabbing of the skin near the vent; mite eggs on the fl uff feathers and along the feather shaft (Figure 2); or congregations of mites around the vent, ventral abdomen, tail, or throat. Since mites congregate around the ventral region, they can also reduce a roosterʼs ability of successful matings (1).
Verm-X is a 100% natural liquid for free range chickens that helps maintain all areas of intestinal hygiene whilst being gentle on the hen's gut and digestive system. When fed over a period of time it works to create an environment in the gut that is able to eradicate and expel any intestinal challenges, offering natural and daily protection. Verm-X works more gently than conventional pharmaceuticals and it will give your chickens continous protection. #Internalparasitecontrolforchickens, #commissionsearned
Herbs to Keep Chickens Healthy & For Parasite Control
There are several different kinds of herbs which can be used in conjunction with your Parasite Prevention Plan which can reduce the chances of your chickens getting mites or lice.
References:
1. Carrie L. Pickworth Avian Disease Investigation Laboratory Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine The Ohio State University.Teresa Y. Morishita Extension Poultry Veterinarian Ohio State University Extension. Common External Parasites in Poultry: Lice and Mites. Extension fact sheet. http://veterinaryextension.colostate.edu/menu2/birds/Common%20Ext.%20Parasites.pd
1. Carrie L. Pickworth Avian Disease Investigation Laboratory Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine The Ohio State University.Teresa Y. Morishita Extension Poultry Veterinarian Ohio State University Extension. Common External Parasites in Poultry: Lice and Mites. Extension fact sheet. http://veterinaryextension.colostate.edu/menu2/birds/Common%20Ext.%20Parasites.pd
