What do mites look like?

[pattgal]

This is kinda like a trick question
I know what mites look like, the thing is I can't tell whether my hens have it or not. Most of my hens are white but its rain season here and they are full of mud from my rooster servicing them

So what would the behavior of a mite infested hen look like (besides all the documented signs)? I do not see any bugs on them. Like I said before I can't tell because of the mud if there are eggs. I don't know what rough feathers look like. I only get 4 eggs a day from a flock of 11, one hen is regular most of the time
they itch, pick at themselves, shake their heads, and stop in their tracks to scratch like a dog would. but there are no visible eggs (as far as I can tell)
Please help me

 

[Judy]

They may be doing all this as part of normal grooming plus the mud. If you can't see anything at night with a light, I wouldn't worry about it. Or if you are still worried, a few bucks for a can of poultry dust might be worth the peace of mind.

I don't know one from the other (lice/mites) but you might see tiny white spots, tiny black spots, tiny things moving on the feathers.

I can't see well enough any more to be sure, so guess what I'd do....

 

[dawg53]

Buy a decent magnifying glass and inspect your chickens with it. If you see tiny specks moving in the mud or dirt on your chickens, you'll have your answer.