Mites and Lice

Northern fowl mites and red mites are the most common external parasites. Check vent area at night with a flashlight for tiny red/brown crawling specks. Treat with permethrin spray on the bird and a thorough coop cleaning — pull out roosts and treat cracks. Diatomaceous earth in dust-bathing areas helps as prevention. Lice live entirely on the bird and cause feather damage near the vent. Re-treat after 7-10 days to kill newly-hatched eggs.