How to combat mites on quails? - briefly
Apply a dusting of diatomaceous earth or a licensed acaricide such as ivermectin, and keep housing dry and clean with frequent litter changes. Add a probiotic supplement to strengthen the birds’ immune response.
How to combat mites on quails? - in detail
Mite infestations are a common health issue in quail production, leading to feather loss, anemia, reduced egg output, and increased mortality. Early detection relies on observing restlessness, excessive preening, visible specks on skin, and a decline in weight gain.
Preventive actions focus on sanitation and environmental management. Clean housing thoroughly between batches, remove droppings, and replace bedding weekly. Maintain humidity below 60 % and temperature between 18–22 °C to create unfavorable conditions for mite development. Isolate new arrivals for at least two weeks, treating them pre‑emptively if any signs appear.
Chemical control employs registered acaricides approved for poultry. Apply a spray or pour‑on product according to label dosage, covering the entire bird surface and nesting material. Rotate active ingredients every 4–6 weeks to prevent resistance. Observe withdrawal periods before marketing eggs or meat.
Non‑chemical options include:
- Fine‑grade diatomaceous earth dusted on perches and litter (approximately 2 g per bird).
- Herbal oil sprays such as neem or eucalyptus at 0.5 % concentration, applied weekly.
- Powdered silica or kaolin clay applied similarly to dust.
Biological methods introduce predatory mite species (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) into the environment. Release rates of 1,000 predators per square meter have shown measurable reductions in pest populations within three weeks. Probiotic supplements supporting gut health may also improve the birds’ immune response, reducing susceptibility.
Monitoring requires a regular inspection schedule. Conduct visual checks twice daily, use white‑paper traps placed near perches to collect fallen mites, and record counts in a logbook. Adjust treatment protocols when trap counts exceed 10 mites per trap per day. Continuous documentation enables rapid response and evaluation of control efficacy.