Why you should start treating for bird mites now
Did you know that the eggs of the red mite can survive the winter? This means that the red mite season for chickens and birds has already begun. These eggs can hatch at temperatures above 10 °C. Therefore, it is wise to start with red mite prevention in the spring. Red mites reproduce very quickly. An adult red mite lays about 8 eggs per day. Act in time and prevent a massive outbreak.
Red mites
12 April '22 • 3 min reading time
Tips for Preventive Treatment of Red Mites
Red mites are stubborn to combat. Managing red mites is possible, although many hobby chicken keepers will disagree. The later you discover an infestation, the more red mites there are, and the harder it is to get rid of them. It is crucial to keep a close eye on your chickens and to start treating for red mites in a timely manner. When treating for red mites, it is important to be very consistent. Therefore, we have compiled the most important tips. The more you can apply, the less chance of red mites:
1 – Hang a mite test
With a mite test, you are quicker to be aware of an infestation. Usually, chicken enthusiasts only discover a mite infestation when there are already a lot of mites present. The more mites there are, the harder it is to treat and the longer it takes to get rid of them. Therefore, it is very wise to hang a mite test under the perch.
2 – Clean the cage with plenty of water
Lice cannot swim, and you can wash away the eggs with it. A disinfectant is not even necessary as long as you use plenty of water. Then make sure to ventilate it well to dry.
3 – Spray an environmental/protective spray in the coop
After cleaning with plenty of water, it is important to make the coop unattractive to the red mite. It is essential to spray the path that the red mite takes to the chicken with an environmental spray. The red mite hides during the day in cracks and crevices and moves to the perch at night, crawling up the chicken's legs over the layer of the environmental spray. This acts like a layer of sandpaper that damages the young red mite.
4 – Occasionally ventilate the coop well
Red mites love a warm, humid environment. Therefore, it is advisable to ventilate the coop well during the day from time to time to keep it dry. Of course, avoid drafts, as chickens dislike them.
5 – Have blood mites been detected? Administer a dietary supplement!
Fighting blood mites is possible if you can reach them. With a dietary supplement and/or water additive, you can target the blood mites that suck blood from the chickens. These supplements make the blood indigestible for the mites, preventing them from reproducing and interrupting their life cycle. By combining this with the environmental spray in the coop, you can reach both adult and young mites. Only by using both products in combination can you target both young and adult mites. Tip: do not add garlic cloves to the drinking water. This causes the blood mites to only start sucking blood at the last moment, when their hunger becomes too great. Treatment will take longer this way.
5 – Limit cracks and seams
Red mites hide in cracks and seams. Limit the cracks and seams by sealing them or choosing a coop with as few seams as possible. Additionally, it can help to whitewash the inside of the coop, as you will see the red mites more quickly. Regularly going over the cracks with a weed torch is also effective, as this will burn the nests of the red mites.
6 – Sandpit for the Chickens
The chickens not only love it, but it also serves a purpose. The sand has a repellent effect on blood mites in chickens. Therefore, provide a spot where the chickens can enjoy bathing in dry sand. For example, choose sand made of various minerals with a uniform grain size. This adheres best between the feathers and can potentially be eaten by the chickens.
Conclusion
Start treating for blood lice now, especially as the weather is getting nice. Be consistent with the treatment and leave nothing to chance. Good luck!
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