12/04/2026
CHICKEN MITES – HOW DO THEY AFFECT POULTRY PRODUCTIVITY?The body is egg-shaped, with a small head and a belly covered in short, sparse hairs. The mites have short but very strong legs; the two front legs are almost the same length as the body, and the breathing tube extends to the base of the second pair of legs. After feeding on poultry blood, their bodies turn red; when hungry, they become black, gray, or white. They can survive and reproduce within a wide temperature and pH range. Chicken mites can survive for up to 9 months without food (5-25°C).
THE LIFE CYCLE OF CHICKEN MITES
Chicken mites lay their eggs in hiding places such as cracks, crevices, walls, and bedding. Females usually lay 30-50 eggs. The eggs hatch into six-legged larvae, which molt after 1-2 days and develop into eight-legged protonymphs and deutonymphs, eventually becoming adults. The entire life cycle can take at least seven days.
HOW DO CHICKEN MITES HARM POULTRY?
Chicken mites are nocturnal, hiding in crevices, bedding, etc. during the day. At night, they come and feed on the blood of poultry, causing skin damage, reduced red blood cell count, decreased immunity, and reduced productivity.
Their blood-sucking mites affect the growth and development of chickens.
When infected, mites form puncture wounds on the skin, leading to potential infections. Bloodborne parasitic pathogens and toxins enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of blood clotting disorders.
Stress and itching lead to increased feather preening and pecking.
Body weight loss.
For laying hens: reduced egg production and egg quality.
They harbor pathogens that spread through the blood when they bite infected individuals.
High mortality rates negatively impact the economic well-being of poultry farmers.
PREVENTION MEASURES
The most effective measure to prevent mite infestation in chickens is to eliminate the sources of mite growth around the chicken coop by:
Maintaining clean coops, washing chicken feeders thoroughly, and replacing feed and water.
Sprinkling lime powder throughout the coop, especially in corners and crevices where mites often thrive.
Spraying disinfectants.
Using chemical solutions via drinking water; this method often harms the liver, kidneys, and reduces productivity (especially egg production).
Using mite repellents such as essential oils and herbal extracts combined with spraying disinfectants to kill mites.
