- Jan 17, 2015
- 43
- 8
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So... my chickens are 13 weeks old, and have been in their coop and run full-time for just a few weeks now. Today, while cleaning out their coop, there were several (a dozen?) red/ orange mites in their bedding. On closer inspection, I noticed that these mites were active all around the run and outside the coop structure. Naturally, I hurried to TSC and purchased Poultry Protector and some Poultry Dust. However, after doing more research, I am uncertain that these are the dreaded red mites that are purported to be inactive during the day, nor does their red/orange color fit the description of the northern fowl mite. I checked the hens (as much as they would allow) and saw no sign of any mites on them near the vent or behind the neck. I decided to wash out the coop and spray with the Poultry Protector, but held off on the Poultry Dust for the time being. I also sprinked a bit of DE around the perimeter of the coop; there had already been some there before the coop cleaning. Is it possible that what I am seeing are just red clover mites? Also, I went out just after dark with the flashlight and shined it on the hens and the walls (which are white), and wasn't able to detect any sign of the mites being active in the coop or on the chickens. I need some guidance on how to decide if the mites that I am seeing are a threat to my young hens, or if perhaps I have lucked out, and these are one and the same garden-variety clover mites that are...well...everywhere else in my yard. Would it make sense that they are in the coop and run, too, or should I be worried?
