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Red mite
Dermanyssus Gallinae otherwise known as red mite is a small mite less than 1mm in diameter and can vary in colour from black/grey to red depending on when the mite last fed.
It lives in the environment and comes out at night to feed on perching/nesting birds. It can also bite humans and may cause a rash. Outbreaks in lofts are rare.
Symptoms
- Poor performance.
- Ruffled/ poor feathering with irritated skin.
- Pale birds with anaemia.
- Increased susceptibility to other disease as their immune system is compromised due to increasing stress and irritation from biting red mites overnight.
Diagnostics
- Upon seeing the symptoms in your loft, investigate for the mites in any cracks or gaps around perching and nest boxes. In wooden lofts they may also hide in between wood panels.
Treatment
- The environment must be treated thoroughly. However, red mite is nearly impossible to eradicate completely and therefore ongoing preventative management is necessary.
- There are a variety of products that will help combat red mite including sprays and powders.
- Diatomaceous Earth is a fine silica sand which desiccates/ dries out mites as they walk across it. This product can be used liberally on all perches and nest boxes to help control red mite numbers.
Prevention
- Reduce the contact between backyard chickens and pigeon lofts.
- Clean and disinfect lofts regularly.
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Scaly Leg mite
Caused by a mite known as Knemidocoptes that burrows under the scales of a birds’ leg. They are extremely small (<1mm).
Symptoms
- Raised scales on the legs
- Crust accumulating on the legs
- Irritation
Diagnostics
- From the symptoms.
Treatment
- Using an anti-mite spot on such as Ivermectin.
- Washing the legs in methylated spirits and then applying Vaseline daily until there are no visual abnormalities to the leg. This can take a long time (2-4 weeks).
Prevention
Regular cleaning of the lofts and perching will help to reduce mite numbers.