How to Control Chicken Mites Naturally

An important part of keeping a chicken flock healthy is to get rid of mites and lice. These parasites, which hide in your chickens' feathers, legs, and in their coop, can decrease egg production and affect overall health. There are several products available to kill mites, but many contain harsh chemicals that may even prevent you from eating the eggs for a time. Learn how to free your chicken flock of mites naturally and effectively with the following basic steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Food grade diatomaceous earth
  • Petroleum jelly or mineral oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase food grade diatomaceous earth from your local home improvement store, garden center, or online. Make sure it is food grade. There are other kinds that are not safe to use around animals. Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring material made from tiny fossilized plants called diatoms. It works to control insects and parasites by leaving scratches in their exoskeletons, thus causing them to dehydrate and die.

    • 2

      Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth in your chicken coop, including nesting boxes, and on the ground outside where they take dust baths. If you find your chickens are heavily infested, you can even sprinkle some directly on them, making sure to get it under the feathers and around the vent. Reapply after cleaning the coop and outside as needed.

    • 3

      For mites that hide under the leg scales of your chickens, simply coat their legs with petroleum jelly or mineral oil. Other oils such as linseed or vegetable oil can be used as well. The basic idea is to smother the mites with a thick substance. You will likely need to apply the jelly or oil a few times before all the mites are gone.