What is a chicken mite? - briefly
A chicken mite is a microscopic ectoparasite that extracts blood from poultry, causing skin irritation and transmitting pathogens. Infestations can reduce egg production and lead to weight loss.
What is a chicken mite? - in detail
Chicken mites are tiny ectoparasites that infest domestic fowl, primarily targeting the skin and feathers. They belong to the family Dermanyssidae, with the most common species being the red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum). Adult mites measure 0.3–0.5 mm, are reddish‑brown, and survive without blood for several days, allowing them to hide in cracks and crevices when the host is absent.
Life cycle progresses through egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult stages. Each stage, except the egg, requires a blood meal. Under optimal temperature (20–30 °C) and humidity (70–80 %), development from egg to adult completes in 5–7 days, enabling rapid population growth. Mites reproduce prolifically; a single female can lay up to 100 eggs over her lifespan.
Infestation signs include: « Pale or irritated skin, especially around the vent and comb » « Feather loss and dull plumage » « Restlessness and excessive preening » « Visible mites crawling on the bird’s body, particularly at night »
Health impacts extend beyond discomfort. Heavy feeding can cause anemia, reduced weight gain, and impaired egg production. Secondary bacterial infections often follow skin lesions, increasing mortality risk in severe cases.
Control measures focus on environmental management and chemical or biological treatments. Effective steps are:
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect coop, removing bedding, nests, and debris where mites hide.
- Apply approved acaricides (e.g., pyrethrins, carbaryl) according to label instructions, rotating products to prevent resistance.
- Introduce diatomaceous earth or silica‑based powders in cracks to desiccate mites.
- Employ biological agents such as predatory beetles (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) that consume mite stages.
- Maintain low humidity and adequate ventilation to discourage mite development.
Prevention relies on regular inspection, prompt removal of dead birds, and routine cleaning schedules. Monitoring devices—sticky traps placed near roosts—provide early detection, allowing rapid response before populations reach damaging levels.