Where do chicken mites appear? - briefly
Chicken mites are most commonly found on the skin and feathers of poultry, especially in the vent area and under the wings. Infestations also occur in the surrounding environment, such as coop bedding, cracks, and nesting boxes where birds rest.
Where do chicken mites appear? - in detail
Chicken mites are most frequently encountered on the bodies of poultry, especially in the feather shafts and under the wing joints where they feed on blood. Adult females lay eggs on the host’s skin, and the emerging larvae remain on the bird until they mature.
The coop environment provides additional refuges. Mites hide in:
- Litter and dust accumulated on the floor
- Cracks and crevices of walls, perches, and nesting boxes
- Wooden frames and metal cages, particularly in poorly ventilated sections
- Outdoor run areas with dense vegetation or straw bedding
Different species favor slightly different microhabitats. The Northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) prefers the bird’s surface and the immediate surrounding litter. The red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) retreats to dark, secluded spots in the coop during daylight, emerging at night to feed. The tropical fowl mite (Ornithonyssus bursa) thrives in warm, humid conditions, often colonizing the underside of roosts and the interior of nesting material.
Seasonal temperature fluctuations influence distribution. In cooler months, mites concentrate in insulated sections of the coop, while in warm weather they expand into outdoor runs and shaded areas. Regular cleaning, litter replacement, and inspection of structural gaps reduce the habitats that support mite populations.