Black mites!

[Godscountryfarm]

Wonder what these are and what I can do. I found them in the nesting box when gathering eggs. It seems to have come on so quickly as I have two broody hens and have been moving around eggs a lot lately. Really freaking out overw here! So many, mostly all in one nesting box.

 

[aart]

Those don't look like poultry mites.
Lots of insects in the world most don't bother poultry.


Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Look fast, they will scatter quickly once the feathers are parted and the light hits them.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

 

[Godscountryfarm]

Those don't look like poultry mites.
Lots of insects in the world most don't bother poultry.


Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Look fast, they will scatter quickly once the feathers are parted and the light hits them.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

Wow that would be absolutely amazing if you are right! I just checked my two broody hens no signs on them or thier nesting boxes! Praying it’s something else and easy to rid away