How should chickens be treated for feather mites? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved miticide such as ivermectin or permethrin to the bird’s plumage, ensuring full coverage and following the product’s dosage and withdrawal guidelines. Clean the coop, treat nesting material, and repeat the medication after 7–10 days to interrupt the mite life cycle.
How should chickens be treated for feather mites? - in detail
Effective control of feather mites in chickens requires a systematic approach that combines environmental management, direct treatment, and preventive measures.
First, clean the coop thoroughly. Remove all bedding, scrub perches, nest boxes, and walls with a detergent solution, then rinse and allow to dry completely. Apply a dilute solution of white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) to surfaces to create an inhospitable environment for the parasites.
Second, treat the birds directly. Use a commercially available acaricide labeled for poultry, such as a permethrin‑based spray or a pyrethrin dust. Follow the product instructions precisely: apply the spray to the bird’s back, wings, and tail feathers, ensuring coverage of the skin beneath the plumage. For dust formulations, dust the birds lightly, then allow them to preen for 10–15 minutes before returning to the coop. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to break the mite life cycle.
Third, supplement with natural remedies if preferred. Diluted neem oil (5 % solution) can be sprayed onto the feathers, providing an insecticidal effect without chemical residues. A weekly bath in warm water with a mild, non‑soap detergent helps remove mites mechanically and improves feather condition.
Fourth, maintain ongoing prevention. Rotate bedding weekly, keep humidity below 60 % by ensuring proper ventilation, and avoid overcrowding. Regularly inspect birds for signs of infestation—scratching, feather loss, or visible mites—and treat promptly.
Finally, monitor treatment outcomes. After two weeks, count mites on a sample of birds using a fine-toothed comb; a reduction of 90 % or more indicates successful control. If counts remain high, consult a veterinarian for alternative acaricides or dosage adjustments.