Mites + Brooding mom

[Heartlandrabbitry]

Our OEG bantam hen is four days away from hatching her eggs, today while she was getting some food I noticed that there were mites on the eggs! I dusted her before she sat back on them but what can we do now? We don't want the mites killing the baby chickens, and need help soon! Thanks!

 

[emys]

I'd use a pour on such as Eprinex on the Momma hen ASAP. This will kill all the mites that bite momma before the eggs hatch.

Additional mite info here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-mites.html

 

[tiffanyg2]

Are mites a common problem for chickens? What about ticks? Ewwhhh I don't like either one of those pests!!

 

[Heartlandrabbitry]

Thank you! We finally got the problem under control!

Tiffany unfortunately yes, mites are a common problem! They can come from wild birds and rats, I'm sure other wild animals as well. I'm not sure about ticks though, but chickens can probably get them as well! The mites can be a big pain if you don't keep on top of them!

 

[PeasChisGuis]

I had the same problem, but it was lice and when the momma got off the nest to eat and drink she would run outside to dust bath. I dusted her with DE. Normally with regular dust baths it keeps the lice at bay. I made a big pan of dirt, sand, and DE for the hens to bathe in to help stay pest free.