Chicken Mites: How to Identify, Prevent, and Get Rid of Them

Chicken mites are a common but critical problem for poultry keepers. These tiny parasites feed on the blood of chickens, inflicting soreness, strain, and capability fitness issues inclusive of anemia and reduced egg production. If left untreated, mites can cause intense infestations that impact the whole flock.

In this guide, we are able to discuss the entirety you need to recognize approximately hen mites, such as a way to pick out them, check for infestations, prevent them, and correctly eliminate them.

What Do Chicken Mites Look Like?

Chicken mites are tiny, often difficult to spot without a close inspection. They vary in color from reddish-brown to gray and tend to hide in feathers, under wings, around the vent area, and in coop crevices. Some mites, like red mites, are nocturnal and hide during the day, while others, such as northern fowl mites, live on chickens full-time. Unlike lice, which feed on skin debris, mites are bloodsuckers, making them a bigger threat to chicken health.

Types of Chicken Mites

There are several types of mites that can infest chickens, each with its own characteristics:

1. Red Mites (Dermanyssus gallinae): Nocturnal external parasites that live in the coop and come out at night to feed on chickens.
   

2. Northern Fowl Mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum): Live on chickens 24/7, causing significant irritation and stress.
   

3. Scaly Leg Mites (Knemidocoptes mutans): Burrow under the leg scales, causing thickened, crusty, and deformed legs.
   

4. Tropical Fowl Mites (Ornithonyssus bursa): More common in warm climates and can spread to other animals and humans.

   

Signs and Symptoms of a Mite Infestation

Recognizing the early signs of a mite infestation can help prevent serious health issues in your flock. Here are some common symptoms:

• Feather loss: Particularly around the vent, wings, and neck.
  

• Pale combs and wattles: Due to blood loss and anemia.
  

• Scabs or red, irritated skin: Often caused by constant mite bites.
  

• Lethargy and weakness: Chickens may appear more tired and less active.
  

• Decreased egg production: Stress from mites can cause hens to lay fewer eggs.
  

• Excessive scratching and preening: Chickens will try to rid themselves of mites.
  

• Mites visible on the bird or in the coop: Check crevices, nesting boxes, and roosts for tiny moving specks.
  

  

How to Check for Chicken Mites

Detecting mites early helps prevent infestations. Follow these simple steps:

1. Inspect at Night – Red mites feed at night. Use a flashlight to check for tiny red or gray specks on chickens.

2. Check Feathers & Skin – Part feathers near the vent, neck, and under wings. Look for mites, scabs, or irritated skin.

3. Look for Feather Loss – Patchy feather loss, dirty feathers, or excessive preening may signal mites.

4. Examine Legs – Scaly leg mites cause thick, crusty, and swollen legs. Watch for limping.

5. Check Roost & Nest Boxes – Run a white paper towel along perches; red streaks mean mites. Look for tiny clusters in cracks.

6. Watch Chicken Behavior – Restlessness, scratching, weight loss, and lower egg production can indicate mites.

7. Use Sticky Tape Test – Place double-sided tape on perches to trap mites.

Regular checks keep your flock healthy! 

How to Get Rid of Mites on Chickens

Once an infestation is confirmed, immediate action is necessary to protect your flock.

1: Natural Remedies:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Sprinkle food-grade DE in dust baths, nesting boxes, and around the coop to kill mites.
  

• Herbal Solutions: Use mint plants, neem oil spray, and garlic-infused water to naturally repel mites, keeping chickens and their coop pest-free and healthy.
  

• Apple Cider Vinegar Spray: Mix with water and spray on affected areas for a natural repellent.
  

2: Chemical Treatments:

• Permethrin-Based Sprays and Dust: Effectively kills mites on chickens and in the chicken coop.
  

• Ivermectin: Used in severe cases but requires veterinary guidance.
  

• Poultry-Safe Mite Powders: Commercial powders can help eliminate mites when applied properly.
  

Treatment for Chicken Mites

In addition to direct mite removal, comprehensive treatment should include:

• Bathing infected chickens: Using warm water and poultry-safe shampoo.
  

• Treating the entire flock: Even chickens that appear unaffected.
  

• Replacing bedding and disinfecting the coop: To remove lingering mites.
  

• Providing a healthy diet: To strengthen immunity and recovery like vegetables, fruits and other supplementary proteins (BSFL & Mealworms).
  

How to Apply Mite Sprays Effectively

1. Choose the Right Spray – Use a poultry-safe mite spray with natural or chemical ingredients like permethrin.

2. Apply Directly to Chickens – Hold the bird gently, part feathers, and spray under wings, around the vent, and on the neck. Avoid eyes and beak.

3. Treat the Coop & Nesting Areas – Spray roosts, nest boxes, cracks, and crevices where mites hide. Let dry before the birds return.

4. Repeat Treatments – Mites lay eggs fast! Reapply spray every 5–7 days for at least 3 weeks to break the life cycle.

5. Use Protective Gear – Wear gloves and a mask when using sprays, especially chemical-based ones.

6. Prevent Future Infestations – Keep the coop clean, provide dust baths, and inspect birds weekly.

How to Treat Scaly Leg Mites

Scaly leg mites burrow under the leg scales, causing pain and deformity. Treating them involves:

• Soaking the legs in warm water and scrubbing gently to remove crusty buildup.
  

• Applying Vaseline, coconut oil, or a commercial mite treatment to smother mites.
  

• Using ivermectin under veterinary supervision for severe cases.
  

• Deep cleaning and disinfecting the coop to prevent reinfestation.

  
  

How to Protect Yourself and Other Animals

Mites can spread to humans and other animals, so taking precautions is essential:

• Wear protective clothing: Gloves and long sleeves when handling infested chickens.
  

• Wash hands and clothes: Immediately after handling infected birds.
  

• Keep pets away from the coop: Dogs, cats, and other animals can carry mites.
  

• Clean and disinfect frequently: Prevent mites from spreading to other areas of your property.
  

How to Prevent Chicken Mites

Preventing chicken mites is key to keeping your flock healthy. Here’s how:

• Keep the Coop Clean – Regularly clean bedding, disinfect the coop, and use diatomaceous earth.
  

• Provide Dust Baths – Offer dry soil, sand, or wood ash mixed with diatomaceous earth.
  

• Check Chickens Regularly – Inspect feathers, especially under wings and around the vent.
  

• Use Natural Preventatives – Herbs like lavender and mint, plus diatomaceous earth, can help repel mites.
  

• Limit Wild Bird Exposure – Secure coop openings and keep feed covered.
  

• Treat Quickly if Needed – Use poultry-safe mite treatments and deep clean the coop if mites appear.
  

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How Quickly Can Mites Spread in a Chicken Flock?

Mites can multiply extremely fast. A few mites can become a massive infestation within 7-10 days, with females capable of laying up to 100,000 eggs in their lifetime. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent rapid spread.

2. Can Chicken Mites Affect Humans or Other Animals?

Chicken mites can briefly bite humans, causing mild itching, but they prefer bird hosts. Humans are not ideal hosts, so infestations are typically short-lived. Thorough coop treatment is essential to prevent transmission.

3. How Often Should I Check My Chickens for Mites?

Inspect chickens weekly, or twice weekly during summer months. Focus on checking under wings, around the vent area, and at the base of feathers for signs of mites or skin irritation.

4. Are Some Chicken Breeds More Susceptible to Mite Infestations?

While all chickens can get mites, breeds with dense feathering or those in humid environments are more vulnerable. Chickens with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe infestations.