When raising chickens, it’s important to understand the potential pests that can affect your flock, such as mites and lice. These external parasites can infest your birds causing various health issues and affecting their egg production. At first, I was a little mortified by the idea of these tiny microscopic bugs crawling on my chickens and it made me hesitate. However, with proper education and knowledge, I learned that these pests are a natural part of chickening. Mites and lice tend to thrive in dusty and dirty environments, like the coop and are often carried by wildlife, rodents, or even other birds.
A major concern is how these ectoparasites feed on your chicken’s feathers, skin, and blood, which can lead to reduced health, poor growth and even death if the infestation gets too severe. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of an infestation early such as excessive scratching, dust and visible signs of mites or lice on your chickens’ feathers. With a bit of research and preparation you can treat this problem effectively, ensuring your chickens stay happy, healthy and productive. Raising chickens requires attention to these creatures, but with proper care they will continue to thrive in your backyard without too much trouble.
What Are Mites and Lice in Chickens?
Mites and lice are parasites that affect chickens and other poultry. These tiny creatures are often difficult to spot, but mites are typically red after feeding and are so tiny they can be nearly invisible. Lice, on the other hand, are usually straw-colored with a round shape and six legs.
They prefer to live near the base of the feathers, especially around the vents. Both mites and lice cause irritation, leading to visible symptoms such as scratching. It is important to take preventive action to avoid infestations and keep your chickens healthy.
Lice eggs on an infested chicken
When lice infest a chicken, they lay their eggs, also known as knits, at the base of the feather shafts. These eggs are often difficult to see, but they can be found if you part the feathers around the vent area. Lice are fast-moving, 6-legged insects, and they are typically beige or straw-colored. The female lice lay hundreds of eggs in the debris found on the feathers, which are essential for their lifecycle. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which then begin to feed on the chicken’s skin and blood.
As the lice continue to reproduce, they cause irritation, making the chicken scratch and become irritated. Lice are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the outside of the host and they can cause anemia by feeding on the blood of the chicken. If not treated, the lice can lead to further health complications. It’s important to inspect your chickens regularly for signs of lice and their eggs to prevent a full infestation.
Infestation of Northern Fowl Mite on a chicken’s vent
An infestation of Northern fowl mites on a chicken’s vent can cause severe irritation. These tiny, eight-legged insects tend to congregate at the base of the feathers, especially around the vent area, where they feed on the chicken’s blood. You may notice redness, scabs, and bald spots from feather pulling. If the infestation is severe, anemia may develop, leading to lethargy, listlessness, and a loss of appetite and weight. The chicken may also experience a decrease in reproductive ability, with roosters showing reduced egg laying or hens stopping completely.
Northern fowl mites are active at night, crawling out to leech blood from the chicken’s moist, rich blood supply in the vent area. To treat this infestation, products like Permethrin, Elector PSP, and Ivermectin can be used, but proper caution must be taken, especially with Ivermectin, due to neurological side effects in certain animals. It’s also important to thoroughly clean the coop and spray the area with the appropriate treatment to prevent further mites and lice from spreading.
Treatment Table
| Product | Application | Instructions | Egg Withdrawal Time |
| Permethrin Concentrate/Powder | Adulticide applied to chicken as per label instructions | No egg withdrawal time if used as directed | |
| Elector PSP Concentrate | Adulticide & larvicide applied at 9 ml per gallon of water to the vent area and sprayed on a thoroughly cleaned coop | No egg withdrawal time | |
| Injectable Ivermectin | Orally: 0.2 mg/kg | Topically: 3-4 drops for standard breeds, 1-2 drops for bantam breeds, Injected subcutaneously: 0.2 mg/kg | 8-week egg withdrawal time |
Information about drugs is provided by the USDA and veterinarians from the Chicken Vet Corner teaching site.
To prevent poultry lice and mites, the key is to stop the infestation of other host species. This can be achieved by properly storing feed and, if possible, providing a covered run. It’s essential to maintain good hygiene by keeping the coop and run clean and offering proper dust baths. If your flock is recovering from an infestation make sure to check regularly for any signs of a recurrent infestation and offer supportive care including vitamin supplementation, a nutrient-dense diet, and limiting stress. Always consult with your local trusted avian veterinarian for advice when necessary.
Symptoms of Mites and Lice in Chickens
If you discover mites or lice on your chickens, it’s essential to act quickly to remove them. Left untreated, they can lead to serious health issues or even death, so be alert for the signs!
- Bare patches on skin, especially around legs
- Blood smears visible on legs
- Swollen legs with scales standing up
- Weight loss and poor gain
- Pale comb and wattles
- Diarrhea
- Decreased fertility
- Decreased egg production or no eggs at all
- If untreated, can cause health issues and death
- Petroleum-based product like Vaseline can help eliminate the mites and lice
How to Prevent Mites and Lice
Keeping mites and lice at bay is easy. Follow these four simple steps to ensure your coop remains free of pests.
Maintain a clean and organized coop
Keeping a clean and organized coop is one of the best ways to prevent mites and lice from infesting your chickens. Regularly remove poop, debris, and old bedding or nesting material to maintain a hygienic environment. Be sure to check for signs of infestation such as tiny white or black dots on the skin or feathers of your chickens or any irritated skin. I personally use the deep litter method which helps keep things tidy and reduces the chance of pests. Regular checks ensure you catch any potential problems early keeping your chickens safe and comfortable.
Set up a dust bath area for your chickens
A dust bath is a natural behavior for chickens that helps them stay clean and free from parasites like mites and lice. To promote good hygiene in your flock, it’s important to create a designated area for them to bathe in.
Find a sunny spot in your yard, and fill it with a mixture of sand, dirt and wood ash. Your chickens will instinctively roll around in this mixture, helping them stay mite and lice-free.
Keep your flock away from other birds
To prevent the spread of mites and lice to your flock, it’s important to avoid contact with other birds especially wild ones. Keeping your chickens in a secure coop and run will help reduce the chances of them being exposed to pests from other backyard flocks. This simple step can protect your birds from unwanted infections and keep them healthy.
Treat the coop and dust bath area with diatomaceous earth and wood ash
To help prevent and kill mites and lice in your chicken coop, using diatomaceous earth and wood ash is an effective, natural solution. Diatomaceous earth made from fossilized algae, is safe for chickens but deadly to parasites like mites and lice. Simply sprinkle it around the coop including the nesting boxes and dust bath area, to create a barrier that will help keep your chickens clean and free of pests. It works by drying out the parasites and killing them while still being gentle on your birds.
In addition to diatomaceous earth you can add wood ash to the dust bath area. This will help absorb excess moisture and odors, which can attract pests like mites and lice. I also recommend using Preen Queen, a product with natural ingredients like zeolite, peppermint and citronella essential oils to keep your chickens’ feathers oil-free and pristine. This combination of treatments can greatly reduce the chances of your chickens getting infested by parasites.
Chicken Mites and Lice – FAQs
How can I prevent mites and lice in my chicken flock?
To prevent mites and lice, maintain a clean coop, store feed properly and provide dust baths for your chickens.
How do I know if my chickens have mites or lice?
Look for signs like bald spots, reddened skin, irritation and visible mites or lice on the feathers and vent area.
How do I treat a chicken mite or lice infestation?
Use Permethrin or Elector PSP as treatment options, along with regular cleaning of the coop and dust baths for your chickens.
Can mites and lice cause long-term harm to my chickens?
Yes, untreated mites and lice can lead to anemia, weight loss, and reduced egg production, and may even cause death if severe.
Can chickens get mites or lice from other birds?
Yes, mites and lice can easily spread from wild birds or other poultry flocks, which is why it’s important to keep your chickens isolated from other birds.
How often should I check my chickens for mites and lice?
Regularly inspect your chickens, especially during the summer months, as mites and lice tend to thrive in warm, humid conditions.
Are there any natural treatments for mites and lice?
You can use diatomaceous earth or wood ash in the coop and dust bath areas to help control mites and lice naturally.
Can mites or lice affect my chickens’ egg production?
Yes, an infestation of mites or lice can lead to reduced egg production or even a complete halt in egg laying due to the stress and irritation they cause.
Are mites and lice harmful to humans?
While mites and lice may bite humans, they do not cause long-term harm or infestations in people, though they can be uncomfortable if exposed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken mites and lice are common yet harmful parasites that can cause serious discomfort and health issues for your flock. Recognizing the signs of an infestation such as irritated skin, bald spots and reduced egg production, is crucial in preventing long-term damage to your chickens. Regular cleaning of the coop providing dust baths and using effective treatments like Permethrin or Elector PSP can help you control and eliminate these pests. It’s essential to stay proactive and monitor your flock regularly to ensure they remain healthy and free from infestations.
By maintaining good hygiene practices and providing your chickens with the right supportive care, you can prevent the spread of mites and lice and protect your flock from unnecessary stress. If you notice any signs of a recurring infestation consulting with a trusted avian veterinarian is always a good idea. With proper prevention and treatment, you can keep your chickens happy, healthy, and productive, ensuring they thrive in a pest-free environment.
