Holistic Approaches to Red Mite Detection and Prevention for Backyard Chickens

I’ve now heard from at least five customers over the past week who I have diagnosed as having a red mite issue. This means that it is very important to watch out for the signs of mite activity and learn ways of reducing the risks of them visiting your chicken coop.

Spring also tends to awaken dormant mite populations that have been happily snoozing throughout the colder months of Autumn and Winter. As soon as temperatures rise, red mite populations can grow exponentially, and suddenly, they make their evil presence felt.

Backyard chicken keepers need to be on high alert for this tiny but formidable foe. These minuscule parasites can wreak havoc on your flock, causing distress, health issues and even death if left unchecked. In this post, we'll look at everything you need to know about red mites, from identification to eradication, with a focus on natural and effective treatments like those that we sell at Talking Hens.

Understanding Red Mites: The Nocturnal Menace

Red mites, scientifically known as Dermanyssus gallinae, are nocturnal blood-sucking parasites that pose a significant threat to backyard chickens. These unwelcome guests often hitch a ride on wild birds, rodents or newly introduced flock members. Despite their name, red mites are only red after feeding - otherwise, they appear grey or white and are about the size of a poppy seed.

What makes these pests particularly troublesome is their resilience and rapid reproduction cycle. Red mites can survive for up to nine months without feeding and can complete their life cycle in just seven days under optimal conditions. This means that a small infestation can quickly spiral out of control if not addressed promptly.

Signs of a Red Mite Infestation

Vigilance is key in detecting red mites early. Here are some telltale signs to watch out for:

1. Hens not wanting to go into the coop at night
2. Whitish-grey, cigarette ash-looking “dust” patches in the coop
3. Increased feather loss or bald patches on your hens
4. Clusters of nit eggs attached to the base of the hen’s vent area feathers
5. Irritated or pale skin, particularly around the vent area
6. A decrease in egg production
7. Blood spots on the eggs (squashed mites after feeding)
8. Anaemia in severe cases, indicated by pale combs and wattles

To confirm the presence of red mites, conduct a nighttime inspection of your coop. Armed with a torch, carefully examine the perches, nesting boxes and all cracks and crevices. Pay close attention to your hens, particularly around their vent area and under their wings. If you spot tiny, fast-moving specks or clusters of red eggs surrounded with what appears to look like cigarette ash (mite droppings), you're likely dealing with a red mite infestation.

The Natural Approach to Red Mite Control

Many backyard chicken keepers prefer natural methods for treating red mites, avoiding harsh chemicals that could potentially harm their flock or contaminate eggs. Fortunately, there are effective natural solutions available that can help eradicate these pesky parasites without compromising the health of your chickens or the safety of their eggs. One thing to keep in mind is that more effort is required over a number of days as it’s never a “one-hit wonder” that many chemical products promise.

A Step-by-Step Treatment Plan

Here's a natural treatment plan to combat red mites:

Day 1:

- If at all possible, remove the entire flock from their coop to another safe shed or structure on your property so that you can treat both flock and coop independently

- Thoroughly mix then apply a natural mite spray (such as Wipe Out Mites), around the base of the hen’s feathers, focusing on the vent area, under the wings and along the back

- Thoroughly spray all coop surfaces, paying extra attention to joints, cracks, nooks and crevices

- Remove all bedding and nesting materials from the chicken coop and run and if possible, burn it or bag and remove it from your property

Day 3:

- Repeat the Day 1 treatment on both hens and coop

Day 5:

- Repeat the spraying process on hens and coop

Day 7:

1. Carefully check for any signs of mites on each hen and in all areas of the chicken coop and run
2. If you have any Wipe Out Mites liquid left, spray the hens and coop/run as you have done previously
3. Place fresh litter using fresh wood shavings and hemp fibre for nesting boxes
4. Generously dust surfaces, perches, litter and dust baths with Bugs Away to kill any mites that need to be finished off
5. Dust all flock members with Lice Away and make sure that you target the base of the feathers in all areas where you first saw mite activity. Lice Away contains healing and protective ingredients to support the healing of the dry and damaged skin left by the activity of red mites.

Subsequent Weeks:

- Provide your hens with a natural vitamin and mineral supplement to boost their health and resilience such as Vitality Booster

- Continue to inspect the coop and hens regularly for any signs of mite activity

- Apply Bugs Away every month and anytime that you replace bedding or nesting materials

Prevention: The Best Defence Against Red Mites

As with many chicken-keeping challenges, prevention is far easier than cure when it comes to red mites. Here are some strategies to keep these parasites at bay:

1. Regular Inspections: Conduct monthly checks of your coop and hens, paying close attention to potential hiding spots for mites

2. Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your coop clean and dry. Regular cleaning and the use of natural insecticide powders such as Bugs Away can create an inhospitable environment for mites and other parasites.

3. Dust Baths: Provide your chickens with a dry dust bath area filled with a mixture of dirt, wood ash, wood shavings and Bugs Away. Dust bathing is a natural behaviour that helps chickens keep external parasites at bay.

4. Coop Design: Invest in a well-designed, pest-proof coop. Smooth surfaces and minimal cracks and crevices give mites fewer places to hide.

5. Natural Repellents: Consider planting herbs like lavender, mint and rosemary near your coop. These plants naturally repel many insects, including mites.

6. Quarantine New Birds: Always carefully check and quarantine new chickens for at least two weeks before introducing them to your flock. This helps prevent the introduction of mites and other parasites.

7. Feed Management: Use pest-proof feeders such as the Chook Tower and Chook Tred to discourage wild birds and rodents, which can introduce mites to your flock.

The Role of Diet in Mite Resistance

A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in helping your chickens naturally resist parasites like red mites. Ensure your flock receives a high-quality feed appropriate for their life stage, supplemented with vegetable scraps. You can also try adding a small amount of unpasteurised apple cider vinegar to your chickens' drinking water. Many chicken keepers have told us that it seems to help support the hen’s immune systems and makes them less attractive to parasites.

When to Seek Professional Help

While most red mite infestations can be managed at home with diligence and natural treatments, there may be times when professional intervention is necessary. If you've followed a thorough treatment plan and still see signs of mites, or if your chickens show severe symptoms like extreme lethargy or significant weight loss, consult a good poultry veterinarian.

Red mites may be a common challenge for Australian backyard chicken keepers but with vigilance, prompt action and natural treatment methods, you can keep your flock healthy and mite-free. Remember, consistency is key in both treatment and prevention. By incorporating regular inspections and preventative measures into your chicken-keeping routine, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any mite issues that may arise, ensuring your backyard flock remains happy, healthy, and productive.