How to treat chickens for feather mite? - briefly
Apply a licensed miticide (e.g., ivermectin, selamectin, or carbaryl) at the recommended dose, and thoroughly clean the coop to eliminate dust and debris. Repeat the treatment after 7‑10 days to interrupt the mite life cycle.
How to treat chickens for feather mite? - in detail
Feather mites infest the plumage of poultry, causing irritation, feather loss, and reduced egg production. Effective management requires accurate identification, immediate therapeutic action, and long‑term environmental control.
First, confirm the presence of mites by examining the bird’s feathers. Look for tiny, white or reddish‑brown insects moving among the barbs, and check for feather damage or scaly skin on the vent area. A magnifying glass or hand lens improves detection.
Treatment options fall into three categories:
- Topical acaricides – Apply a veterinary‑approved spray or powder directly to the affected birds. Products containing pyrethrins, carbaryl, or selamectin are common. Follow the label dosage precisely; over‑application can cause toxicity. Re‑treat after 7–10 days to break the mite life cycle.
- Dust baths – Provide a mixture of fine sand, diatomaceous earth, and wood ash in a shallow container. Allow chickens to bathe for at least 30 minutes daily. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of the mites, reducing their population.
- Systemic medications – Administer ivermectin or milbemycin orally or via injection, according to veterinary guidance. Systemic treatment reaches mites hidden in skin folds and is useful for severe infestations.
Environmental measures are essential to prevent re‑infestation:
- Clean the coop thoroughly – Remove all litter, scrub roosts, and disinfect surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite). Allow the coop to dry completely before adding fresh bedding.
- Maintain low humidity – Mites thrive in damp conditions. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid water accumulation.
- Rotate bedding – Replace bedding weekly and dispose of used material in a sealed bag.
- Treat surrounding areas – Apply a safe acaricide spray to perches, nesting boxes, and outdoor run fences where mites may hide.
Monitoring continues after treatment. Inspect birds weekly for at least six weeks; any resurgence requires a repeat of the topical protocol. Record observations in a log to track progress and adjust the program as needed.
By combining accurate diagnosis, targeted medication, regular dust baths, and strict coop sanitation, feather mite infestations can be eliminated, restoring bird health and productivity.