Mites cause severe skin irritation and can weaken immune systems in poultry.
Though mites may look similar to insects, they are actually a member of the arachnid family. Lime as a treatment for poultry mites is generally not advised, though there are many safe treatments that target specific mite species. Being able to recognize the type of mite can increase the effectiveness of treatments and reduce the chance of poultry houses falling ill to disease.
Mites
Mites can live up to 34 days without food while waiting for a host.
Mites range in colors including dark brown, red and black and are active primarily at night and retreat to hiding spots during the day. Like lice, mites are blood suckers, and one mite can spend its entire life on a single chicken. Mites chew on both skin and feathers as well as crawl into vents. The result of mites on poultry are large patches of bloody scabs along the surface of the skin.
Treatments
Treatments that are effective and safe to use on poultry include natural and synthetic pyrethrins, organophosphates and a single carbamate (Sevin dust). Treatments should include the nesting and roosting areas, as well as the hens and roosters. Treatments should not be given more than every four weeks, and poultry should be checked twice a month to prevent re-infestations. Contact state agriculture offices for a list of approved chemicals before using any pest treatment.
Organic Methods
Organic methods of treatments are an option. And, while organic methods are effective, it may take a bit longer to see satisfactory results. However, many farmers prefer organic treatments because it is better for the health of the poultry and quality of products such as meat and eggs. Routinely cleaning coops and nest boxes as well as replacing bedding will prevent heavy infestations and a 50 to 50 mix of petroleum jelly and vegetable oil can be used to kill off scaly-leg mites.
Prevention
While treatments are effective, prevention is more efficient in the long run. Clean coops that are washed and replaced with new bedding regularly rids feces that draws in bacteria and pests. Routine pest control methods with non-toxic, effective treatments such as strips, resins, sprays and dusts are necessary to keep poultry health at optimum levels. Louse, lice and fleas are also pests that can fatally infest coops that are of equal concern.
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