Need help to identify external parasites

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Lice stay on the host, mites generally only go on the host to feed. Dusting the birds for 3-4 weeks should kill enough of them. Wild birds will bring them in so you can never be rid of them. Providing good dust baths spots can allow the birds to keep them under control.

With silkies I found external parasites would get out of control mostly when they were broody. So breaking them if you aren't using them is always a good idea.

 

[aart]

Roost mites only come out to feed at night.
Northern fowl mites live on the bird...as do lice.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008


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 roost mites).

 

[cmom]

Personally I would dust the birds with poultry dust containing permethrins and I would also spray inside their coop totally every crack and crevice, on and under the roosts and put some poultry dust in the nest boxes. Repeating the treatment originally weekly is necessary because the permethrins does not kill the pests eggs. TSC carries the premixed in a spray bottle or you can get the concentrate you mix with water. Good luck...