How long does the red chicken tick live? - briefly
The red chicken tick typically lives for two to three years, completing its life cycle across egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. Longevity depends on host availability and environmental conditions.
How long does the red chicken tick live? - in detail
The lifespan of the red chicken tick extends from egg to the end of the adult stage and typically ranges between two and three years, depending on climate, host availability, and seasonal conditions.
The life cycle comprises four distinct phases:
- Egg stage – Females lay several thousand eggs on the ground after a blood meal. Under optimal humidity (70‑80 %) and temperatures of 20‑25 °C, eggs hatch within 10‑14 days.
- Larval stage – Newly emerged larvae seek a small host, often a bird or rodent. After feeding for 3‑5 days, they detach and molt into nymphs. This period lasts about 2‑4 weeks.
- Nymphal stage – Nymphs require a larger host, frequently poultry, for a 4‑7‑day blood meal. Following engorgement, they drop off and undergo another molt, becoming adults. The nymph‑to‑adult transition can take 3‑6 weeks, contingent on environmental moisture.
- Adult stage – Adult females attach to chickens or other medium‑sized birds, feed for 5‑10 days, then drop off to lay eggs. Adult males feed briefly or not at all, focusing on mating. Adults may survive 12‑18 months, with females potentially reproducing once or twice before death.
Key factors influencing total longevity:
- Temperature – Warmer conditions accelerate development, shortening each stage by up to 30 %. Cooler climates prolong the cycle, extending overall lifespan.
- Humidity – Desiccation risk forces ticks to remain in protected microhabitats; low humidity can reduce survival rates by 40‑50 % during the off‑host periods.
- Host density – Abundant poultry shortens the time larvae and nymphs spend questing, increasing reproductive output and overall population turnover.
In regions with mild winters and consistent moisture, the complete cycle may be completed in as little as six months, allowing multiple generations within a single year. Conversely, in temperate zones with harsh winters, ticks enter diapause, extending the adult phase and resulting in a total lifespan approaching three years.