How to treat mites on chickens' legs? - briefly
Treat the leg infestation with a licensed acaricide—such as a pyrethrin spray or dust applied directly to the skin and feathers—and repeat the application after 7‑10 days while improving coop hygiene by removing soiled litter, reducing moisture, and disinfecting perches. Monitor the birds daily and re‑treat if mites reappear.
How to treat mites on chickens' legs? - in detail
Mite infestations on the legs of poultry cause irritation, feather loss, and reduced productivity. Prompt identification and systematic control are essential for restoring flock health.
First, confirm the presence of parasites by inspecting the skin around the tibiotarsal joint and the feathered area of the shank. Look for tiny, dark, moving specks, crusty lesions, or excessive scratching. Collect a few specimens with a fine brush and examine them under a magnifier to differentiate between the common poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and the lesser leg mite (Knemidocoptes mutans).
Treatment proceeds in three phases: immediate relief, eradication of the parasite population, and environmental management.
Immediate relief
- Apply a topical acaricide approved for avian use, such as a 0.5 % permethrin spray, directly onto the affected leg. Use a dropper to cover the entire shank, avoiding the bird’s eyes and beak.
- Administer an oral ivermectin dose (0.2 mg/kg body weight) if systemic control is permitted in the region. Follow the manufacturer’s withdrawal interval for eggs and meat.
Population eradication
- Treat the entire flock, even birds without visible signs, because mites spread rapidly through contact.
- Use a dusting powder containing carbaryl or pyrethrin in the coop. Apply the product to perches, nesting boxes, and floor litter, then leave for 24 hours before cleaning.
- For resistant infestations, rotate to a different class of acaricide (e.g., spinosad) after a 7‑day interval to prevent cross‑resistance.
Environmental management
- Remove all organic debris, replace wet litter, and disinfect surfaces with a 1 % sodium hypochlorite solution.
- Install diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) in the coop corners; the fine particles desiccate mites without harming birds.
- Seal cracks and crevices in the building structure to eliminate hiding places.
- Reduce humidity to below 60 % using proper ventilation, as moist conditions favor mite development.
Monitoring
- Conduct weekly visual checks of leg skin for at least six weeks post‑treatment.
- Place sticky traps near perches to gauge residual mite activity.
- Record any recurrence and adjust the control regimen accordingly.
Combining targeted medication with thorough sanitation and habitat modification provides the most reliable resolution of leg mite problems in poultry.