Chickens in Australia can be affected by several different species of mites that live on their skin and feathers. Mites are tiny arachnids that can cause irritation, discomfort, reduced egg production, and even illness or death in severe infestations. The most common mites found on chickens in Australia include red mites, northern fowl mites, scaly leg mites, and air sac mites.
Red Mites
The red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is considered the most significant pest of egg-laying hens worldwide. Red mites are found in chicken coops throughout Australia. They hide in crevices and cracks during the day and emerge at night to feed on the chickens. An infestation begins when wild birds, rodents, or new chickens introduce the parasite. Red mites pierce the skin and suck blood from chickens. They can survive several months without feeding.
A red mite infestation can cause chickens to become anemic, lethargic, and produce fewer eggs. Chickens may try to scratch themselves to relieve irritation from the bites. Red mites may also transmit disease-causing organisms between birds. On humans, red mite bites can cause small red bumps that are extremely itchy.
Red mite populations can explode rapidly in chicken coops. All areas of the coop and roosting areas must be treated to control an infestation. Products containing pyrethroids are often used for red mite control in Australia. The coop and roosts should be sprayed thoroughly and allowed to dry completely before chickens are allowed back in. Ongoing monitoring and additional treatments are usually needed.
Northern Fowl Mites
The northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) is another common external parasite of chickens in Australia. Unlike red mites, northern fowl mites spend their entire life cycle on the chicken and do not leave to hide in the coop. Mites spread quickly from bird to bird through contact.
Northern fowl mites pierce the skin and suck blood, leading to irritation, itching, feather damage, reduced egg production and sometimes anemia or death with heavy infestations. Mites cluster around the vent, under the wings and throughout the breast and back feathers. Infested chickens may appear restless and constantly preening.
Northern fowl mite populations can build up rapidly, particularly in cage housing. Sprays containing pyrethroids are commonly used. Multiple treatments 7-10 days apart are required to break the mite life cycle. Good sanitation practices also help control northern fowl mites.
Scaly Leg Mites
Scaly leg mites (Knemidocoptes mutans) are microscopic mites that burrow into the skin cells of chickens’ legs and feet. Heavy infestations cause scales, crusting and thickening of the skin. Older chickens are more susceptible. In severe cases, the scales may interfere with walking and lead to deformities. Secondary bacterial infections can develop in the damaged skin.
Scaly leg mites are spread by direct contact between chickens. Wild birds can introduce the parasite. Oil treatments help suffocate and kill scaly leg mites. Products containing rotenone, sulfur, or pyrethroids are options. Treatments should be repeated for 2-3 weeks. Keeping coops clean helps reduce mite buildup.
Air Sac Mites
Air sac mites (Cytodites nudus) live in the air sacs and lungs of chickens. Infestations cause respiratory distress, coughing, and reduced growth rates in young birds. Air sac mites are transmitted bird to bird. Wild birds can introduce them to flocks.
No medications are approved for air sac mite control in Australia. Maintaining clean litter and keeping wild birds away helps prevent infestation. Culling severely affected birds may be necessary.
Diagnosing Mite Infestations
Some signs of a mite infestation include:
- Seeing mites crawling on chickens
- Scratching, feather picking and restlessness
- Scabs or hot spots on skin
- Scaly areas on legs and feet
- Decreased egg production
- Anemia (pale combs and wattles)
- Coughing, respiratory distress
Mite populations can build up quickly before chickens show obvious clinical signs. Close inspection of several birds is needed to identify low-level infestations. Mites can sometimes be found by parting feathers, examining the vent area, and checking cracks and crevices of coops. A veterinarian can identify mites through skin scrapings or other samples.
Preventing Mite Infestations
Proactive steps to help prevent mite infestations include:
- Quarantine new chickens before adding to flock
- Keep wild birds and rodents away from coops
- Clean the coop thoroughly at least twice a year
- Remove old nesting material between cycles
- Check chickens regularly for early signs of mites
- Treat immediately at first sign of mites
- Rotate pesticides to prevent resistance
Treatment Options for Chicken Mites
There are a variety of products available to treat mite infestations in backyard chicken flocks. It is important to follow label directions carefully.
Treatment Type | Active Ingredient(s)* | Application Method |
---|---|---|
Sprays | Permethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin | Spray coop, roosts, birds |
Dusts | Permethrin, spinosad, ivermectin | Dust coop, nests, birds |
Back rubbers | Permethrin | Suspend in walkways |
Shampoos | Pyrethrins, rotenone | Bathe birds |
Oils/Ointments | Ivermectin, rotenone, sulfur | Apply to legs/feet |
*Always check label for complete list of active ingredients, directions for use, protective equipment needed, and precautions.
Conclusion
Mites are very common pests of backyard chicken flocks in Australia. Red mites, northern fowl mites, scaly leg mites, and air sac mites can all affect chickens. Heavy infestations lead to reduced health and egg production. Mites spread quickly between birds and can be difficult to eliminate once established.
Good sanitation and preventive practices are key. Chicken coops should be cleaned thoroughly at least twice per year. New birds should be quarantined before adding to a flock. At the first sign of mites, immediate treatment is necessary. Products containing pyrethroids, rotenone, ivermectin, and sulfur can help control mites. Ongoing monitoring and additional treatments are usually required to break the mite life cycle. Rotating pesticides helps prevent resistance.
With vigilance and proactive management, backyard chicken keepers can minimize the impacts of mites on their flocks in Australia.