Mites?

[Kotorix08]

I have noticed a couple of hens missing feathers from vent area and others having broken looking feathers. No rooster.

I assumed they were pecking each other out of boredom but now I think they have mites. Never had to deal with this before.

I checked them all over and can't see anything on their feathers or vent area, but one in particular looks like she may have them on comb.

I've got some treatment on order (treatment is another issue with spray in cold weather). But can anyone confirm from this pic? The comb of my golden comet is the one I noticed was looking suspicious.

 

[aart]

I've got some treatment on order (treatment is another issue with spray in cold weather).

Use permethrin dust on the birds in winter.

My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

 

[Kotorix08]

Use permethrin dust on the birds in winter.

My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

I haven't been able to actually see anything on feather shafts or vent area but I know they can be very small. The signs definitely seem to be there.

I'm going to use the spray on the coop and dust the hens given the very cold temps in my area. Thanks!