Are these mite eggs?

[Nitrostreak]

So, I was visiting my flock and checking them over for injuries, when I came across something kinda gross...

I was prepared for moulting, but I'm kind of confused as to what is going on here.

I found these strange, egg-looking things on a majority of my birds. Is this just a by-product of the moulting process, or do my birds have mites (or something worse?)

Sorry about the picture quality. Doctor Whooster didn't wanna sit still for the picture.

 

[Nitrostreak]

Anyone?

 

[nurse_turtle]

I have never dealt with mites, but it looks like an insect egg sac. Since most of your birds have them, I vote mites. There are several treatment options available. Search the site for mite treatment and you'll get lots of info.

 

[nurse_turtle]

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/contents/09-7-24Poul1.gif

LICE eggs.

 

[Illia]

From those photos I just see protein shafts on the base of the feathers, but if you do indeed in person see gross lookin' white sacs and clumps, yes, they're lice eggs.

 

[nurse_turtle]

Quote:
Illia what about that football shaped cluster just left of center?

 

[Illia]

I think I see a little fuzzy spot but I'm not sure, 'tis why I say to the OP about their own personal view.

 

[Nitrostreak]

Lice?! D: Oh, dear no... Does this mean, since I tend to get cuddly with a couple of my chickens, that I could have picked them up too?

The egg-clumps do look kind of like that picture, but there's none around the base of the feather, just hanging out between them.

Guess it's time to look up treatments

 

[nurse_turtle]

Quote:
If you look really close, do you see individual eggs in a clump? Also check the vent area.

 

[Nitrostreak]

Yeah, individual eggs are there. I'll have to check their vents next chance I get, it's too dark out now.