Help me get rid of these fleas

[arasbm]

We noticed a pretty significant reduction in our egg production last week. We are down to ~5 eggs per day as opposed to ~15. I suspected red mite at first, but today I went and checked a few of our hens and found these flees on them -- well at least I think they are fleas but I am not sure and I don't know what kind.





Anyone knows what these are? What methods would you recommend to get rid of them? We have around 30 chickens and 20 ducks. Approximately 20 of our birds are layers, and the rest are between two and four month old.

We have never used any proprietary products on them, if you suggest a product please let me know if you are aware of any risks. We would love to find a natural solution. However, we would greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome to BYC.

Looks like poultry lice or mites.
You may be able to find a solution to suit your needs in the following links:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html
http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/02/mites-how-to-prevent-them-and-treat.html
http://fresheggsdaily.com/2012/01/dust-bathing-beauties.html

 

[arasbm]

Thank for the quick reply. I am trying a few of the techniques you linked above. I will report back in a few weeks.

Do I need to treat my ducks as well? I can not see any mites on them but their feather is much more dens and it is not possible to inspect their skin as easily. However, they did reduce egg production as well, but not as bad as the chickens. Anyone with experience keeping chickens and ducks together knows if ducks need to be treated also?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank for the quick reply. I am trying a few of the techniques you linked above. I will report back in a few weeks.

Do I need to treat my ducks as well? I can not see any mites on them but their feather is much more dens and it is not possible to inspect their skin as easily. However, they did reduce egg production as well, but not as bad as the chickens. Anyone with experience keeping chickens and ducks together knows if ducks need to be treated also?

I don't have any ducks, but I would think if they are associating with one another or share common housing you probably want to treat them.
I'm not sure what treatment(s) you can use on them, if they are the same as chickens or not. Take a quick search here on BYC or post on the ducks forum, there are many helpful duck owners here that I'm sure would be glad to answer your question.

Please do keep us updated. Any tips or techniques you come across that you find works for you can be helpful to others.