Red mite are blood-sucking parasites that weaken chickens and spread rapidly
How do I prevent and treat red mite infestations?
Red mite hide during the day. They live in cracks, crevices, and joints of wooden coops. At night, they crawl onto roosting chickens to feed on blood.
Signs of infestation:
- Pale combs and wattles (from blood loss)
- Hens reluctant to enter coop at night
- Reduced egg laying
- Birds appearing stressed or restless
- Tiny red, grey, or black dots in coop cracks
Check regularly. Run white tissue along perches and in joints. Red or grey smears indicate mites. Check at night with a torch to catch them feeding.
Treatment options:
Red mite powder: Dust all coop surfaces, cracks, perches, and nest boxes. Focus on joints where wood meets wood. Repeat weekly during active infestations.
Smoke bombs: For severe infestations, fumigation reaches hidden mites that powder misses. Remove chickens first. Ventilate thoroughly before allowing birds back.
Ground sanitising powder: Use on coop floors and under bedding to create a drier, less hospitable environment for mites and their eggs.
Prevention is easier than cure. Treat monthly during warm weather (April to October) when mites are most active. Winter treatments can be less frequent but don't skip them entirely.
Why wooden coops struggle: All those joints and cracks provide perfect hiding spots. Plastic coops are easier to keep mite-free, but wooden coops can be managed with diligent treatment.
Act fast if you spot signs. Mite populations explode quickly. What starts as a small problem becomes a major infestation within weeks.
