How to Kill Chicken Mites

Chicken mites are a parasite that infest a Chicken's genitals, vents, the ear holes, the thighs, or small scatterings along the skin. Chicken mites are a serious threat to your bird's health, as they can cause anemia and can kill an otherwise healthy chicken in three days. Other than physically seeing them infesting your chicken's bottom and vents, other signs they may be infested are paleness in the comb and wattles, and your bird acting depressed, sulking and generally not wanting to move around.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if the infestation has spread to the entire flock or is confined to a single bird. This can be done through physical examination, checking its bottom, vents, and carefully looking through its feathers.

    • 2

      Give any effected birds a mineral supplement. A combination of vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics are recommended, but any supplement that boosts their iron will work.

    • 3

      Spray the infested bird with Adams Flea and Tick Mist for dogs. Do not get the mist in your chicken's eyes, ears or directly into its vents.

    • 4

      Give your chicken an injection of Ivomec or treat it with a pour-on Eprinex product. Consult a veterinarian for the proper dosage.

    • 5

      Bath your chicken in warm water and Adam's flea and tick shampoo for dogs. Again, avoid getting the water or shampoo in your chicken's eyes, ears or vents. You should do this a few hours after the misting. The idea is to remove as many of the dead mites as possible, and to kill any that may have survived the mist. Make sure to wash and rinse your bird thoroughly.

    • 6

      Dry your bird thoroughly with a towel and a hair dryer if you can do so without upsetting your bird too badly.

    • 7

      Keep your bird indoors in a carrier overnight in order to allow it to dry thoroughly and to avoid chilling.

    • 8

      Dust the floor with a mixture of Seven Dust and Poultry/Livestock Dust. Change your chicken's bedding and dust more of this mixture under the new bedding.

    • 9

      Continue giving your bird the mineral supplement for a few days.

    • 10

      Rub any sores on your chicken's body with Neosporin.

    • 11

      Treat your chicken with the mist and Ivomec again three days after the initial treatment in order to prevent a reinfestation.

    • 12

      If your chicken's health doesn't improve, take it to the veterinarian immediately.