Microscopic bugs?

[Ted Brown]

I have have bugs of some description on the birds; they are about the size of a pin point barely a dot against a white dish. They are present on the birds during the day, do not present as mites from the descriptions I have read (but my 1st time with this situation) eg I swiped several onto my forefinger and then crushed them between thumb and forefinger, no blood (midday). I have not checked under the roosts at night, will do so tonight.

All birds are hatched here, no contact with other chickens or animals ; they free range so could have had contact with wild birds. I have lost two ISA Browns recently, do not know why, about 18 months old.

The closeups below are on the edge of a dish 5" wide and then a zoom:

Closeups of the birds vent:

I have permethrin concentrate in hand.

Thanks

 

[CluckerFamily]

My first thought was mites but I haven't been in this situation before.
Were there any under the roost or in corners?

 

[Ted Brown]

I will be checking later this evening.