Lice and mites a regional issue?

[desertchickaz]

Hello fellow Chicken Lovers,
This is my first posted question~ so here it goes! I'm in Arizona, and have selected heat tolerant breeds for my first flock ever! I love my 9 girls! Question: I'm reading though these lice threads and wonder if Lice and Mites are a regional problem (i.e. rainy climates, or dry?) Or are they across the board a problem/nuisance that we need to watch for as chicken lovers? I haven't seen any issues, and will be going out tomorrow to thoroughly inspect all of my girls beak to vent for any signs of distress, but wonder if I may be 'in luck' because in Arizona the mites die in the heat? Just a question. Thanks!

 

[dawg53]

External parasites can show up anywhere. They can be introduced by wild birds, newly acquired chickens from swap meets, auctions, etc....always quarantine new birds and thoroughly inspect them before introducing them to an exisiting flock if you go this route.
Parasites generally thrive and reproduce greatly in warm moist/wet climates. Since you live in Arizona, odds are in your favor that you shouldnt have much of a problem. What area on a chicken is warm and moist and most likely to harbor lice/mites? Yes, the vent area. Occasionally inspect your birds head to vent as you have planned.