Chicken mites are common external parasites that can affect poultry flocks. These tiny pests feed on chickens, causing discomfort and health issues. Early visual identification of mites and their signs is important for flock health.
Common Chicken Mite Types and Their Appearance
Several types of mites can infest chickens, each with distinct visual characteristics and behaviors. The three most common are red mites, Northern fowl mites, and scaly leg mites.
Red mites, scientifically known as Dermanyssus gallinae, are tiny, measuring about 0.6 to 1 mm. When unfed, they appear grayish-white or yellow-brown, but they turn bright red after consuming a blood meal from the chicken. These mites are primarily nocturnal, hiding in coop crevices, perches, and nesting boxes during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are often found clustered in the environment surrounding birds.
Northern fowl mites, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, are also small, measuring about 0.6 to 1 mm, and can appear dark brown or black. Younger mites or those that haven’t recently fed may be paler. Unlike red mites, Northern fowl mites spend their entire life cycle on the chicken. They tend to gather in dense populations around the vent, under the wings, and on the back, where they can be seen moving on feathers.
Scaly leg mites, Knemidocoptes mutans, are microscopic. Their presence is identified by the visible effects they cause on a chicken’s legs and feet. Infestation leads to raised, thickened, and crusty scales on the legs, giving them a lumpy appearance with visible gaps. This occurs as the mites burrow under the skin to feed on keratin, causing inflammation and fluid leakage.
Physical Indicators of Mite Infestation
Observing physical changes in chickens can indicate a mite problem, even if mites are not immediately visible. Chickens with mites may exhibit stress-related behaviors, such as increased preening, head scratching, and gentle feather pecking due to skin irritation.
Feather loss or ruffled feathers, particularly around the vent, neck, or back, are common. The feathers may also appear dull, tattered, or dirty, especially around the vent, due to mite droppings or eggs. Chickens may also develop a pale comb and wattles, a symptom of anemia caused by blood loss from mite feeding.
Skin irritation can manifest as scabs, redness, or pecking at the skin, particularly near the vent. In severe cases, chickens might show general weakness, lethargy, reduced appetite, or weight loss. A drop in egg production, soft-shelled eggs, or blood spots on eggs can signal an infestation.
Inspecting Chickens and Their Coop for Mites
Locating mites involves inspecting both chickens and their environment. To inspect chickens, gently secure the bird and part feathers to examine the skin directly. Focus on areas where mites commonly congregate, such as the vent, under the wings, around the comb and wattles, and along feather shafts. Observe quickly, as mites may scatter once exposed to light.
Inspecting the coop is important, particularly for red mites that hide during the day. Check perches, nesting boxes, and cracks in the woodwork, as these are common hiding spots. A flashlight is useful for nighttime inspections, as red mites are most active and visible on perches and walls 5 to 11 hours after darkness. Wiping a white paper towel or cloth along the underside of roosts can reveal red smears, indicating crushed mites that have recently fed. Look for clusters of mites or their excreta, which may resemble black or reddish specks, sometimes described as cigarette ash.