Chicken mites

[Chick-inn-mama]

Hi. I have a mixed flock of about 70 laying hens. Many of them are shaking their heads and from what I have read, I have decided they probably have mites. To apply diatomaceous earth to each one doesn't seem possible, but I have sprinkled it on the floor, in their nests and a little over the food and water. It doesn't seem to work. Any suggestions as to what I could change/try? I live in a cold climate, so putting them outside at all isn't an option during the winter.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Your chickens live in your house?
Once they have the mites/lice, you have to bring out the big guns and DE won't do it.
You need Permethrin or Carbaryl, the latter of which is found in 5% Sevin dust.

 

[BDutch]

What temperature do you have? Red bird mite is not active when it is freezing. Most creepers (bugs) don’t like cold weather. And chickens don’t mind cold. Do you use a heat lamp? Turn it off.

Check the birds at night with a good flash light. If you are sure what the problem is , you can adjust it with the right means.

In general: Start with cleaning. Put all the shavings or straw in the bin. Make an effort in steaming the coop.

IMO: use as little poison as possible. If you must only use poison for chickens and not the ones for cats and dogs.

I wrote in another thread how I use diatomaceous earth (DE). Some people say it does not work in case of a severe infestation. I only had a minor infestation and it worked good for me.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/mites.1343362/page-3#post-22073094

 

[Chick-inn-mama]

Your chickens live in your house?
Once they have the mites/lice, you have to bring out the big guns and DE won't do it.
You need Permethrin or Carbaryl, the latter of which is found in 5% Sevin dust.

No, they live in the barn. Thanks, l will try Sevin.

 

[ellenscoop]

I am not sure that headshaking is a sign of mites. Here is an infographic which might be a bit better to help you identify whether you actually have mites or not, and what species they might be, as that is the most important step to getting rid of them - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/identifying-common-ectoparasites-of-backyard-poultry

 

[Shadrach]

I wouldn't assume the behavior is due to mites.
You really need to know which sort of mite you are dealing with if there are mites at all.

 

[Chick-inn-mama]

What temperature do you have? Red bird mite is not active when it is freezing. Most creepers (bugs) don’t like cold weather. And chickens don’t mind cold. Do you use a heat lamp? Turn it off.

Check the birds at night with a good flash light. If you are sure what the problem is , you can adjust it with the right means.

In general: Start with cleaning. Put all the shavings or straw in the bin. Make an effort in steaming the coop.

IMO: use as little poison as possible. If you must only use poison for chickens and not the ones for cats and dogs.

I wrote in another thread how I use diatomaceous earth (DE). Some people say it does not work in case of a severe infestation. I only had a minor infestation and it worked good for me.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/mites.1343362/page-3#post-22073094

What temperature do you have? Red bird mite is not active when it is freezing. Most creepers (bugs) don’t like cold weather. And chickens don’t mind cold. Do you use a heat lamp? Turn it off.

Check the birds at night with a good flash light. If you are sure what the problem is , you can adjust it with the right means.

In general: Start with cleaning. Put all the shavings or straw in the bin. Make an effort in steaming the coop.

IMO: use as little poison as possible. If you must only use poison for chickens and not the ones for cats and dogs.

I wrote in another thread how I use diatomaceous earth (DE). Some people say it does not work in case of a severe infestation. I only had a minor infestation and it worked good for me.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/mites.1343362/page-3#post-22073094

I am not sure what kind of poison is available in Canada. It seems hard to get. I might try some cleaning. Thanks.

 

[Chick-inn-mama]

I am not sure what kind of poison is available in Canada. It seems hard to get. I might try some cleaning. Thanks.

The temperature is a bit above freezing, for the eggs sake.

 

[Molpet]

Sulfur in the dust bath, 1# sulfur to 10# of dust bath helps with mites and lice.
Here is a study on mites
https://entomologytoday.org/2016/07/18/battling-chicken-mites-with-bags-of-brimstone/

 

[aart]

I am not sure that headshaking is a sign of mites. Here is an infographic which might be a bit better to help you identify whether you actually have mites or not, and what species they might be, as that is the most important step to getting rid of them - http://www.poultrydvm.com/featured-infographic/identifying-common-ectoparasites-of-backyard-poultry

That's a pretty good one!

I wouldn't assume the behavior is due to mites.
You really need to know which sort of mite you are dealing with if there are mites at all.

Exactly.....see my tips below.

Sulfur in the dust bath, 1# sulfur to 10# of dust bath helps with mites and lice.
Here is a study on mites
https://entomologytoday.org/2016/07/18/battling-chicken-mites-with-bags-of-brimstone/

Interesting......I'd dust the birds directly too IF they have them on them.


My Bug Check notes:
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.

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