What is crawling on my eggs?

[Nestled Chickens]

A few nights ago, I noticed little tiny bugs crawling on the eggs. What are they? I looked a few of my hens over just now and I didn't see any eggs sacks or obvious pests.

 

[chics in the sun]

How tiny are they? If they are SUPER tiny, they are mites. Which are probably also on your chickens, you just have to look really close.

 

[Nestled Chickens]

They are tiny (sigh). Where is the best place to look for them? Wing pit?

 

[BooBear]

Look through the fluffy feathers around their vents.
If you have crested breeds also check their crests.
These are the first areas mites start to show up.

 

[sourland]

Mites will also infest the nest areas and only feed upon the chickens as they lay. My guess is that your nests in addition to your chickens are loaded with mites.

 

[roadrunnerred]

what conditons would attract mites? and how do you remedy the problem?

 

[chics in the sun]

Bedding, moisture, warm weatherm, fluffy chickens. They just happen sometimes. I used seven dust, which as a different name that I can't think of right now - starts with a C. Ask a feed store employee, they will know what you mean. Dust all the chickens with it and that will do the trick.

 

[KimberlyJ]

And don't forget to clean the nest boxes too.

 

[roadrunnerred]

would that be the same seven that is used on plants? I can't remember the other name for it either. But thanks will always remember that....hopefully.

 

[suebee]

Make sure you use only the 5% Sevin dust on the chickens, and use gloves. Don't get it in their eyes. Clean out the coop and nest boxes and lightly dust before adding new shavings. The active ingredient in Sevin is Carbaryl.