The poultry red mite usually hides under perches, in joints and cracks during daylight and feeds on birds at night. A quick daytime look can therefore miss a substantial infestation.
Inspect after dark
Use a torch and wipe the underside of perches with white paper. Watch chickens for nighttime restlessness, reluctance to enter the coop, pale combs, lethargy and reduced laying. Weak or pale birds need veterinary assessment for anaemia.
Treat the environment
Because most mites are in the housing, treating only the bird is insufficient. Clean the coop and use a poultry-authorised method according to label and veterinary advice, including egg-withdrawal rules. Repeat at the specified interval and continue monitoring.
