Above: Dead mite and mite eggs on a hen’s egg. Left: Chickens can’t tell you when they have a problem, but their behaviour and condition will.
problem, but although you may kill off adult mite, the eggs remain hidden and will eventually produce the next wave of infestation. Years ago, using creosote, diesel and even old engine oil were common solutions – my grandad used to paint old engine oil on the ends of the perches and in the joints of the coop, and it worked really well – but present-day rules and regulations frown upon such activities.
THE BREEDING CYCLE The breeding cycle of red mite is about 7–10 days, and for this reason spraying every other week is not enough – as fast as you kill the adult insects, the young will continue hatching! This is why major infestations can appear quickly and catch poultry keepers unaware. The typical red mite female has a reproduction capacity of approximately 120,000 eggs, and when multiplied this will result in millions of insects if no action is taken.
PREVENTING INFESTATIONS Coops should be cleaned regularly, disposing of any loose feathers that can harbour hatching eggs (nits). Limit visits from fellow poultry keepers, who can transport the insects on their clothes, footwear or equipment. Keep poultry feed in a secure location so as not to attract wild birds, which carry parasites and diseases. Quarantine new birds for at least 14 days before introducing them to an existing flock. Provide adequate dusting areas for chickens to care for their skin and feathers naturally. A dust-bath is the chicken equivalent of a daily shower. It helps maintain skin and feathers and controls parasites. Some claim that adding food grade diatomaceous earth (a product such as Diatom) to the dust-bathing area combats external parasites. ❋ Consider investing in housing made from man-made materials such as plastic or recycled materials – they are far less attractive to mite and are easier to clean. ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋
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