My chicken coop seems to have become infested with mites. How do you recommend getting rid of them?
Northern fowl mites are obligate bloodsucking parasites that can complete their life cycle in five to 12 days. Off the host, mites may live up to four weeks, depending on temperature and relative humidity. If they establish, it will be a long process to end the infestation. It’s necessary to remove the birds from the infected area.
The coop should be thoroughly cleaned: perches and all cracks and all boxes. All bedding must be removed. The area can then be pressure-washed or soaked with a disinfectant spray, potentially multiple times.
Mite re-infestation from wild birds is a constant problem. Dust boxes with sand and materials that kill mites or ticks, such as inert dusts — diatomaceous earth, for example — or sulfur dust, are very effective for bird self-treatment of mites.
Dust bathing is good for your chickens. It dislodges the parasites and helps get dirt and oils off them. Make sure your chickens have an area to dust bathe and if they don’t, put a big pan filled with sand in their pen. I have a covered area with wood ashes for them to use.
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