HELP!! Little black flies on my rooster's head???

[lifthiminsong]

Yesterday I noticed my rooster shaking his head, trying to scratch it. While I couldn't see anything, it was obvious there was something there, pestering him.
He's not fond of being messed with, so I am rarely able to get close enough to touch or examine him without a fight...something I avoid if possible.

However, this morning I was able to be close enough to him to definitely see little black flies (2-3x the size of gnats) swarming his head, landing around his ears and comb, and apparently attempting to "burrow" into crevices.
Anyone know what they are, and how to rid him of these little pests?
They do not seem to be attracted to my 11 hens....thank God!

 

[Judy]

See if this helps. You may find they all have them if you look carefully.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

 

[lifthiminsong]

Thank you, but these little pests definitely have wings, and everything I've read tells me that mites and lice do not.

I have had to treat the flock for lice this past month.

 

[aart]

Maybe black flies?

Also known as buffalo gnats

 

[tellynpeep]

lifthiminsong: Where do you live? Here in NH the black flies are already out, but they are swarming all over, and you would be aware of them long before seeing them on the bird. Can you get a picture?

 

[Baymule]

For gnats, spray mist the birds on the roost with vanilla. Also hang the Christmas tree auto air fresheners vanilla scented in the coop.

 

[ldutch123]

I'm also having a huge problem with black gnats and wonder if it can cause birds to pull their back feathers out?

 

[lifthiminsong]

I Recently Learned that Lavender May Help.
I'll Mix It With Water And Spray The Area.

I Have Mixed Other Essential Oils (Citronella, Peppermint, Lemongrass) With Water And Sprayed The BIrds, And It Did SeEm To Help Some.

 

[lifthiminsong]

lifthiminsong:  Where do you live?  Here in NH the black flies are already out, but they are swarming all over, and you would be aware of them long before seeing them on the bird.  Can you get a picture?

I Live In Little Rock, And They Are Buffalo Gnats. Pesky Little Pains!