What to do about mites on chicks? - briefly
Apply a licensed acaricide spray or dust to the chicks and thoroughly clean the brooder to eliminate mites and their eggs. Offer regular diatomaceous‑earth dust baths to deter future infestations.
What to do about mites on chicks? - in detail
Mite infestations in newly hatched poultry develop quickly and can impair growth, cause anemia, and increase mortality. Early detection relies on observing excessive scratching, feather loss, or a fine dust on the skin. Lightly misting a chick with water and examining the debris under a magnifier reveals the characteristic oval, reddish‑brown parasites.
Effective control combines immediate treatment and long‑term management.
Immediate treatment options
- Aqueous pyrethrin spray: Apply a diluted solution (1 ml of 10 % pyrethrin per liter of water) to the chick’s body, avoiding the eyes and nostrils. Repeat after 48 hours to break the life cycle.
- Ivermectin oral dose: Administer 0.2 mg/kg body weight using a calibrated syringe. Observe withdrawal times if birds are destined for market.
- Sulfur powder: Dust the bird lightly, ensuring full coverage of the vent area and underwings. Use only in well‑ventilated spaces to prevent respiratory irritation.
Supportive measures
- Provide clean, dry bedding; replace it daily until the infestation clears.
- Offer iron‑rich feed and electrolyte‑balanced water to counter blood loss.
- Isolate affected chicks for at least five days to prevent spread to the main flock.
Preventive strategy
- Clean and disinfect brooders, incubators, and equipment with a 1 % quaternary ammonium solution before each use.
- Maintain ambient temperature and humidity within optimal ranges (35 °C, 55 % RH) to discourage mite reproduction.
- Rotate litter material weekly and use fine‑mesh screens on ventilation openings.
- Conduct weekly visual inspections of all birds, focusing on the vent region and feather bases.
Environmental control
- Apply diatomaceous earth to floor surfaces; a thin layer (2–3 mm) creates a physical barrier that desiccates mites.
- Use heat treatment for equipment: expose removable items to 55 °C for 30 minutes, which kills all life stages.
- Implement a regular schedule of low‑dose pyrethrin fogging in the housing area, respecting manufacturer safety guidelines.
Monitoring continues after treatment; a drop in mite counts and improvement in chick vigor indicate success. If symptoms persist beyond seven days, reassess dosage accuracy, consider resistance testing, and consult a veterinary parasitologist for alternative therapeutics.