Are they dark little specks (like pepper) running around quickly? Then they do appear to be northern fowl mite. Slower straw colored bugs are lice.
I have preferred to use permethrin poultry dust to rid mild to moderate infestations of a few birds. Sprinkle under wings and at vent. Rub into skin. Wear a mask as it is dusty. Another way is to take a small garbage bag, sprinkle some poultry dust into the bag, insert bird into bag (with head outside) and shake...like the old fashioned shake and bake bags (without baking).
I don't recommend DE (diatomaceous earth) as it is very unsafe for the lungs (human and animal).
You can also get a permethrin spray and spray the birds, especially at the vent. You should also spray the coop roosts and corners. While northern fowl mites live on the birds (unlike red roost mites which live in the coop and feed on the birds at night), spraying the trails of migration can help reduce numbers.
If you have a heavy infestation of large flock, I recommend spraying or using Ivermectin pour on (1% 5mg per 5ml) generally 1/4ml to at most 1/2 ml for large birds. Put that on the skin at base of neck or under tail.
All methods should be repeated in 10 to 14 days to break the hatching, larvae, adult cycle.
I personally do not find the herbal methods effective once you actually have mites (or parasites). They are more helpful in slowing the inevitable build up rather than eradicating an infestation.
LofMc
