How to remove mites from chickens? - briefly
Use a registered acaricide—such as a pyrethrin spray or dust—on the birds and in the coop, then clean the environment, replace bedding, and apply diatomaceous earth to prevent reinfestation. Maintain regular litter changes and monitor the flock for signs of mites.
How to remove mites from chickens? - in detail
Mite infestations in poultry cause skin irritation, reduced egg production, and weight loss. Effective control requires an integrated approach that combines direct treatment, environmental management, and preventive measures.
Direct treatment options include chemical and natural products. Chemical acaricides such as carbaryl, permethrin, or pyrethrin‑based sprays are applied according to label instructions, ensuring coverage of the vent area, under the wings, and the skin folds. Treatment cycles should be repeated every 7–10 days for at least three applications to break the mite life cycle. For flocks with organic certification, neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or spinosad dust can be dusted onto perches and nesting boxes; these agents act by desiccation or neurotoxic effects on the parasites.
Environmental management reduces reinfestation risk. Essential steps are:
- Thorough cleaning of coops, removing litter, droppings, and dead birds.
- Disinfection with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) after litter removal.
- Application of diatomaceous earth or wood ash on floor surfaces to create a hostile environment for mites.
- Regular rotation of perches and nesting material, washing them in hot water (> 60 °C) before reuse.
- Installation of fine‑mesh screens on ventilation openings to prevent external mite entry.
Preventive strategies maintain low mite populations:
- Weekly inspection of birds, focusing on the vent region and feather shafts, to detect early signs of infestation.
- Administration of a low‑dose acaricide in the drinking water on a monthly schedule during peak mite activity (spring and summer).
- Provision of dust‑bathing areas with sand or ash, encouraging natural grooming behavior that removes parasites.
- Maintenance of optimal coop humidity (below 60 %) and temperature (18–22 °C) to discourage mite development.
When severe infestations persist, veterinary consultation is advisable. Prescription‑only acaricides, such as ivermectin injections, may be indicated, but withdrawal periods for eggs and meat must be observed. Recording treatment dates, products used, and observed efficacy supports ongoing flock health management and compliance with regulatory standards.