Why do mites appear on chickens? - briefly
Mite infestations in poultry arise when birds are kept in warm, humid environments with inadequate cleaning or when they encounter other infested flocks. The parasites feed on skin debris and blood, causing irritation and health issues.
Why do mites appear on chickens? - in detail
Mite infestations in poultry arise from a combination of biological, environmental, and management factors. The parasites complete their life cycle on the host, requiring warm, humid conditions and a steady supply of blood meals. When these conditions are present, populations can expand rapidly.
Key drivers of infestation include:
- Temperature and humidity: Ambient temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C and relative humidity above 60 % accelerate egg hatching and larval development.
- Overcrowding: High stocking densities increase bird-to-bird contact, facilitating direct transfer of adult mites and their offspring.
- Poor sanitation: Accumulated litter, feathers, and manure retain moisture and provide shelter for all life stages of the parasite.
- Stress and compromised immunity: Nutritional deficiencies, concurrent diseases, or handling stress lower the birds’ resistance, making them more attractive to feeding mites.
- Introduction of new stock: Unchecked movement of chicks, eggs, or equipment from infested premises can import mites or their eggs.
- Inadequate biosecurity: Gaps in perimeter control, such as open doors, contaminated footwear, or shared tools, allow external sources of infestation to enter the flock.
The life cycle of common poultry mites—such as the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and the red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)—comprises egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult stages. All stages, except the adult female, occur off‑host, hidden in cracks, perches, or deep litter. Adults emerge to feed for a few minutes before returning to shelter, where they mate and lay eggs. This behavior enables the parasite to survive periods without a host, complicating control efforts.
Effective management relies on interrupting the cycle at multiple points:
- Environmental control: Maintain temperature below 20 °C where possible, reduce humidity through ventilation, and keep litter dry.
- Sanitation: Remove soiled bedding weekly, disinfect housing after depopulation, and clean perches and equipment thoroughly.
- Population reduction: Apply approved acaricides according to label directions, rotating active ingredients to prevent resistance.
- Physical barriers: Use fine mesh screens on vents and doors, and seal cracks that could harbor mites.
- Monitoring: Conduct regular visual inspections of birds and housing, employing sticky traps or grain‑based mite traps to detect early infestations.
By addressing the underlying conditions that favor mite survival and by implementing a comprehensive biosecurity program, producers can substantially lower the risk of infestation and protect flock health.