Mites
The two mite species that are most likely to cause significant problems in backyard chicken flocks are the northern fowl mite (NFM) and the chicken mite (CM), also called red mite or roost mite. These tiny arthropods are very similar in some ways but very different in others.
Both species are very small – Adults are about 1/25-inch long, immature stages are even smaller; hundreds to thousands may be present before a problem is detected. Larger, well-established infestations present a challenging control problem.
Fig. 1: Northern fowl mite
Fig. 2: Nymph (left) and adult chicken mite
Both are blood feeders – Feeding by large numbers of these mites irritates and stresses birds making them more susceptible to other problems- anemia, diseases, and reduced egg production. Both mites will bite humans if they get on the skin but do not infest them.
Development of either mite from egg to adult takes about 7 to 10 days under favorable conditions so numbers can increase rapidly.
Spread – The NFM is commonly spread by direct contact between infested and uninfested birds but infestations can begin with a few mites left behind by wild birds visiting feeders or sitting on enclosures or shelters. The CM can be spread by direct contact or may be introduced on transport cages or used shelters, etc.
Ivermectin pour on I think is the easiest to use. Like Connerhill stated you can use the dust but you have to spread it all over the bird. The Ivermectin you just dose and your done. Ivermectin can last up to 20-30 days. Like Conner said not all the birds might have them but you will need to check each one. If it were my flock I would treat them all and clean the pen and treat it as well. Do not use the injectable, use the pour on. It is quick and easier to dose and if you do not have a syringe you can use a 1/4 teaspoon to apply it. You can use the generic ivermectin it is by Durvet and is in a yellow box. Your local feed store should have it on hand and my small bottle cost about $20 or less.
The two mite species that are most likely to cause significant problems in backyard chicken flocks are the northern fowl mite (NFM) and the chicken mite (CM), also called red mite or roost mite. These tiny arthropods are very similar in some ways but very different in others.
Both species are very small – Adults are about 1/25-inch long, immature stages are even smaller; hundreds to thousands may be present before a problem is detected. Larger, well-established infestations present a challenging control problem.
Fig. 1: Northern fowl mite
Fig. 2: Nymph (left) and adult chicken mite
Both are blood feeders – Feeding by large numbers of these mites irritates and stresses birds making them more susceptible to other problems- anemia, diseases, and reduced egg production. Both mites will bite humans if they get on the skin but do not infest them.
Development of either mite from egg to adult takes about 7 to 10 days under favorable conditions so numbers can increase rapidly.
Spread – The NFM is commonly spread by direct contact between infested and uninfested birds but infestations can begin with a few mites left behind by wild birds visiting feeders or sitting on enclosures or shelters. The CM can be spread by direct contact or may be introduced on transport cages or used shelters, etc.
Ivermectin pour on I think is the easiest to use. Like Connerhill stated you can use the dust but you have to spread it all over the bird. The Ivermectin you just dose and your done. Ivermectin can last up to 20-30 days. Like Conner said not all the birds might have them but you will need to check each one. If it were my flock I would treat them all and clean the pen and treat it as well. Do not use the injectable, use the pour on. It is quick and easier to dose and if you do not have a syringe you can use a 1/4 teaspoon to apply it. You can use the generic ivermectin it is by Durvet and is in a yellow box. Your local feed store should have it on hand and my small bottle cost about $20 or less.
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