Can You See Chicken Mites? Let's Talk Infestations

Health & Disease Management
21

Usually, I dilute it with water and a little soap. It’s important to spray little by little. Overdoing it can be overwhelming for the hens!

22

I think prevention is key! Regularly cleaning the coop and rotating bedding can make a huge difference. Anyone use essential oils in their anti-mite strategy?

23

Absolutely! I also hang garlic cloves in the coop—I’ve heard it keeps mites at bay.

24

Garlic cloves? That’s a new one for me! Do your chickens mind the smell?

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25

They seem fine with it, actually! Fresh garlic smells good to us, too, so it’s a win-win!

26

I read that some people use a mix of baking soda and sugar as a natural pest control. Has anyone tried this method?

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27

I haven’t tried it, but I’m skeptical. It sounds too easy! What’s the science behind it?

28

The idea is that the sugar attracts the mites while the baking soda affects their exoskeleton. It sounds plausible, but I’d love to hear about anyone’s experience with it!

29

Well, I tried a chemical treatment last year, and boy, did I see results fast! But I worry about safety. Any thoughts on that?

30

At the end of the day, a good mix of prevention and treatment is probably best. Plus, sharing tips is what makes this community great!

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31

I’ve read that keeping the coop clean is crucial to preventing mite infestations. Regularly cleaning bedding and using diatomaceous earth can help a lot!

32

That’s a valid concern! I think it’s about finding the right balance. Chemical treatments can be effective, but they might affect the health of your birds in the long run.

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33

Absolutely! Also, ensuring proper ventilation in the coop reduces humidity, which mites love.

34

Can we actually see chicken mites? Or are they too tiny? I’ve seen a few odd behaviors in my flock lately, and now I’m worried!

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35

Yes, chicken mites are really tiny, often hard to spot! Regularly examining your birds for irritation can help catch them early.

36

What do you guys think about using essential oils? I’ve heard they can deter mites but I’m not sure if they’re effective.

37

Exactly! I always recommend a thorough check-up at least once a week to spot any issues.

38

I’m all for keeping the coop clean, but what about outside infestations? Any strategies for that?

39

Great question! I suggest using barriers like sand or gravel around the coop to deter mites from entering. It can really help.

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40

I also heard keeping things dry is key! Wet areas attract them.

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