How to get rid of chickens infested with feather mites? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide spray or dust, such as diatomaceous earth, directly to the birds’ feathers, concentrating on wing and tail areas. Follow with thorough coop cleaning, regular litter replacement, and routine health inspections to prevent reinfestation.
How to get rid of chickens infested with feather mites? - in detail
Feather mite infestation in poultry can cause feather loss, skin irritation, and reduced productivity. Effective control requires a combination of sanitation, treatment, and preventive measures.
The first step is to isolate affected birds. Move them to a clean, well‑ventilated enclosure separate from the main flock. Clean all equipment, perches, and nesting boxes with hot water and a disinfectant known to kill ectoparasites, such as a 1 % formaldehyde solution or a commercial poultry‑safe acaricide.
Next, apply direct treatment to the birds. Options include:
- Dusting with powdered diatomaceous earth, ensuring thorough coverage of the vent area, underwings, and tail feathers.
- Spraying a licensed acaricide (e.g., permethrin‑based spray) according to label directions; repeat after 7 days to break the mite life cycle.
- Bathing in a warm water solution containing a mild insecticidal soap; dry birds completely before returning to housing.
Environmental control is essential. After treating the birds, clean the coop by:
- Removing all bedding and replacing it with fresh material.
- Scrubbing walls, roosts, and feed containers with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite).
- Allowing the structure to dry completely; sunlight and low humidity deter mite development.
Preventive management includes:
- Regular weekly inspection of feathers and skin for signs of infestation.
- Rotating bedding and performing deep cleaning of the coop at least once a month.
- Providing dust‑bathing areas with fine sand or wood ash, which helps birds remove parasites naturally.
- Maintaining optimal nutrition to support immune health; a balanced diet with adequate protein and vitamins reduces susceptibility.
Monitoring after treatment should continue for several weeks. Observe the flock daily; absence of new lesions and normal feather condition indicate successful eradication. If recurrence occurs, repeat the treatment cycle and evaluate coop hygiene for overlooked sources.