Red roost mites

[Thorntonj108]

I’ve had my first run in with these nasty little suckers. I’m relatively new to chickens (my oldest birds being just over a year).

I started suspecting something was going on when all of my hens stopped laying completely. After reading a bit, I went out with a flashlight and sure enough, mites all over the perch.

They are way worse than I had anticipated. I coated all of the wood with veggie oil and they ALL started coming out of ghe cracks. I feel horrible for my birds because I had to shower each time in between cleaning each coop due to the feeling of them being so irritating.

What can I do to get rid of these? I feel so hopeless. I’ve already lost 3 birds and I can’t stand losing anymore especially to this.

 

[Kanekoded]

I’ve had my first run in with these nasty little suckers. I’m relatively new to chickens (my oldest birds being just over a year).

I started suspecting something was going on when all of my hens stopped laying completely. After reading a bit, I went out with a flashlight and sure enough, mites all over the perch.

They are way worse than I had anticipated. I coated all of the wood with veggie oil and they ALL started coming out of ghe cracks. I feel horrible for my birds because I had to shower each time in between cleaning each coop due to the feeling of them being so irritating.

What can I do to get rid of these? I feel so hopeless. I’ve already lost 3 birds and I can’t stand losing anymore especially to this.

My solution is to first clean out the coop and give it a good scrub down. Allow to dry. Then I grind up some clove in a coffee grinder, mix it with DE and dust everything making sure it gets into every crack and crevice. Any leftover dust gets mixed into the dust bath.

After which, I mix a little garlic juice into Vaseline and use it like a caulk. I work it into the little gaps/cracks between the walls and roosting bar and into any cracks on the top and sides of the bar trying not to leave too much on the surface (wouldn't want anyone slipping off the roost). Then I apply a thicker layer to the entire underside of the bar.

A mite infestation can be a huge pain in the butt. So sorry for your loss, I feel your pain and frustration. I've been there.

 

[Thorntonj108]

My solution is to first clean out the coop and give it a good scrub down. Allow to dry. Then I grind up some clove in a coffee grinder, mix it with DE and dust everything making sure it gets into every crack and crevice. Any leftover dust gets mixed into the dust bath.

After which, I mix a little garlic juice into Vaseline and use it like a caulk. I work it into the little gaps/cracks between the walls and roosting bar and into any cracks on the top and sides of the bar trying not to leave too much on the surface (wouldn't want anyone slipping off the roost). Then I apply a thicker layer to the entire underside of the bar.

A mite infestation can be a huge pain in the butt. So sorry for your loss, I feel your pain and frustration. I've been there.

This has just been a horrible nightmare. Thank you very much!