Mites or something else?

[deviflux]

I recently noticed my roo’s face looking a little “dirty” but now it is definitely looking more like blood than dirt. Seems worst in the morning. He’s currently molting, but the combination of his balding little head and the possible blood is making me think mites.

If it is mites, any advice on the best way to treat a rooster that has never been handled?

 

[nuthatched]

He may be being over groomed by the others

 

[deviflux]

He may be being over groomed by the others

Thank you! I’ve never seen any hens grooming him but I decided to supervise tonight’s bedtime from a distance and there was some serious jockeying for position on the roost. He initially didn’t even try to get on the roost and instead laid down in the opening to the roosting area.

If it doesn’t seem like an obvious mite situation I’ll just continue to keep an eye on them. He’s always been the one in charge but maybe this molt (or something else) has the ladies being a bit more aggressive with him.