How do you treat chickens for feather mites? - briefly
Treat the birds with a safe acaricide such as a diluted ivermectin spray or a dust of diatomaceous earth, applying it to the feather base and skin while ensuring thorough coverage. Follow with rigorous coop cleaning, regular dust‑bathing provisions, and repeat treatment after 7‑10 days to break the mite life cycle.
How do you treat chickens for feather mites? - in detail
Feather mites infest the plumage of poultry, causing irritation, feather loss, and reduced productivity. Effective control requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate medication, and environmental management.
First, confirm the presence of mites by inspecting the vent area, underwing, and tail feathers for tiny, moving specks or fine webbing. Collect a few specimens with a fine‑toothed comb and examine them under magnification if necessary.
Choose an acaricide approved for avian use. Common options include:
- Topical sprays containing pyrethrin or permethrin, applied to the entire bird, focusing on the vent, underwing, and tail base. Follow label dosage, typically 0.5 ml per kilogram of body weight, and repeat after 7 days to target the next life stage.
- Powders such as diatomaceous earth or sulfur dust, dusted onto the feathers and nesting material. Apply a thin layer, ensuring coverage without causing respiratory distress.
- Oral medications like ivermectin, administered at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, given in drinking water or via gavage. A single dose is often sufficient, with a second dose after 5–7 days for complete eradication.
When using chemical treatments, wear protective gloves and eyewear, and isolate treated birds for at least 24 hours to prevent cross‑contamination. Dispose of used bedding and clean all equipment with a mild detergent followed by a disinfectant.
Non‑chemical measures complement drug therapy:
- Bedding management: Replace litter weekly, keep coops dry, and remove droppings promptly.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow to reduce humidity, which favors mite development.
- Sanitation: Scrub perches, nesting boxes, and feeders with a 1 % bleach solution, then rinse thoroughly.
- Biological control: Introduce predatory beetles (e.g., Sphaerocerus spp.) that feed on mites, where permitted.
After treatment, monitor the flock for at least three weeks. Re‑inspect the same body regions weekly; absence of live mites for two consecutive checks indicates successful elimination. Maintain preventive practices—regular cleaning, periodic dusting with diatomaceous earth, and occasional low‑dose acaricide applications during high‑risk seasons—to keep infestations from recurring.