Ive been keeping hens now for just 6 months. We've had one visit from Mr Fox, 2 months in, who killed 3 of our flock and we learnt alot about when we can free range them safely from that! Had a bout of Scaly Leg Mite 2 months in which I treated very successfuly using vaseline and surgical spirit. We get heaps of eggs from the 3 girls but now have been hit with Red Mites. I visited the wooden coop ( a converted wooden shed) in the dark last night and was horrified to see the 3 hens sat on the floor not on their roosts and lots of red mites - some grey , some brown crawling around everywhere. Some of these got onto my arms also so I showered straight away and all ok 
I am determined to get rid of these things as the hens are not looking their best and i've heard the mites can make them anemic and more suseptible to diesease. I am going to clean the hen house well with strong detergent tonight getting into all the nooks and crannies, spary all of it with the strong detergent and wait for it to dry before letting the chickens back in, dust the hens with red mite powder and dust the bedding also. Im also going to put vaseline around alot of the house to stop the mites in their tracks. Does anyone have any advice if this will work? I have ordered some Diatomaceous Earth (smite powder) which I will use long term and I plan to re apply the detergent (diluted jeyes) every 4 days until they are gone. Other than a blast of hot weather last week is there any reason why the red mites have come? The hens are well fed and watered and have lots of space. Thanks
I am determined to get rid of these things as the hens are not looking their best and i've heard the mites can make them anemic and more suseptible to diesease. I am going to clean the hen house well with strong detergent tonight getting into all the nooks and crannies, spary all of it with the strong detergent and wait for it to dry before letting the chickens back in, dust the hens with red mite powder and dust the bedding also. Im also going to put vaseline around alot of the house to stop the mites in their tracks. Does anyone have any advice if this will work? I have ordered some Diatomaceous Earth (smite powder) which I will use long term and I plan to re apply the detergent (diluted jeyes) every 4 days until they are gone. Other than a blast of hot weather last week is there any reason why the red mites have come? The hens are well fed and watered and have lots of space. Thanks
from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. 
