Why red mite is a serious problem
Red mites feed on blood and cause restlessness and stress. A heavy infestation can lead to loss of condition and anaemia. Growth, animal welfare, feed intake, egg production and shell quality may also suffer.
The population can increase rapidly during warm periods. Extra monitoring is particularly important then, even if little or nothing is visible during the day.
Signs in the birds
- Restlessness at night and sleepy or less active behaviour during the day.
- Reduced eating and drinking or declining egg production.
- Loss of condition, a paler comb or signs that may indicate anaemia.
- Duller plumage and increased feather pecking or other abnormal behaviour.
- More problems among chicks or other vulnerable birds.
How to inspect the housing
- 01Regularly inspect perches, seams, cracks, nest boxes and joints. Pay particular attention to sheltered places close to the birds.
- 02Inspect in darkness or early in the morning where possible, when the mites are active. Use sufficient light and examine hard-to-reach components as well.
- 03Use fixed inspection points or suitable monitoring aids and record the findings so changes become apparent earlier.
- 04Increase the inspection frequency during warm periods and following signs such as restlessness, loss of condition or reduced production.
Responding to an infestation
If an infestation is suspected, first establish its nature and extent. Effective control must address not only the birds, but also hiding places in the housing and equipment, followed by appropriate checks.
Use only legally authorised products in accordance with the current label and directions. The appropriate approach depends on the housing system, severity of infestation and the birds. Agree the plan with a veterinarian or specialist adviser.
Helping prevent recurrence
- Include inspection of seams, perches and nest boxes in the routine hygiene programme.
- Clean equipment and empty housing carefully, paying attention to hard-to-reach hiding places.
- Inspect incoming equipment and new birds in accordance with the farm protocol.
- Continue monitoring after treatment; one inspection without visible mites does not guarantee complete eradication.
01Why are red mites most noticeable in warm weather?
Warmth accelerates population development. Because the mites hide during the day, an infestation is often noticed only after their numbers have increased considerably.
02Is cleaning alone sufficient?
Thorough cleaning is an important part of control, but a confirmed infestation normally requires a complete plan addressing hiding places and repeated follow-up inspections.