Raising backyard chickens comes with many rewards, but it also requires vigilance to protect your flock from pests. One of the most common and harmful parasites is the chicken mite.
These tiny insects can quickly infest your coop, leading to discomfort, stress, and health problems for your birds. Learning how to spot and treat mites early is essential for maintaining a healthy, productive flock.
Signs Your Chickens May Have Mites
Mites are small, often barely visible to the naked eye, but their effects are noticeable if you know what to look for. Key signs include:
- Feather Loss – Especially around the vent, tail, and under the wings.
- Scaly or Irritated Skin – Red patches, scabs, or raised scales on legs.
- Excessive Preening or Scratching – Chickens appear restless and spend more time grooming.
- Decreased Egg Production – Stress from mites can reduce laying rates.
- Pale Comb and Wattles – A sign of anemia from blood loss caused by mites.
- Visible Mites in the Coop – Tiny red or black dots on roosts, nesting boxes, or on your birds.
Common Types of Chicken Mites
- Red Mites – Nocturnal feeders that hide in cracks during the day.
- Northern Fowl Mites – Live on chickens full-time and spread quickly.
- Scaly Leg Mites – Burrow under leg scales, causing swelling and discomfort.
Treating Mites in Your Chicken Coop
- Remove All Bedding: Dispose of old bedding far away from the coop to prevent reinfestation.
- Thorough Cleaning: Scrub roosts, walls, and nesting boxes with hot soapy water or a poultry-safe disinfectant.
- Apply Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Dust DE in cracks, perches, and nesting areas to kill mites naturally.
- Use Poultry-Safe Mite Sprays or Powders: Follow manufacturer instructions to treat both the coop and the chickens.
- Treat All Birds at the Same Time: Even if only some show symptoms, assume all are affected.
Preventing Future Mite Infestations
- Keep the coop clean and dry.
- Regularly replace bedding and nesting material.
- Use mite-repelling herbs such as lavender or mint in nesting boxes.
- Inspect chickens weekly, especially during warm months.
Final Thoughts
Mites can be a serious problem for backyard chickens, but with quick detection and thorough treatment, you can protect your flock and keep them healthy year-round.
Regular cleaning, inspections, and natural deterrents will help prevent infestations before they start.
