[EggBound]

I think I may have a mite problem.  The last few nights the hens have decided to roost on top of the henhouse - its inside a shed so they are quite safe there.  Thought perhaps they were getting too warm in the house.  However, after going into the shed this afternoon I realised I was playing host to some tiny little dark brown creepy crawlies.  They don't look like any of the pictures on the site but I am assuming they are a mite of some sort.  Cue immediate shower and all clothes in the machine.  I'm still itching just thinking about it.   So first thing tomorrow I'm off to agricultural merchants - what should I buy to treat house and hens?  Any advice welcome.  I have picked up each hen, turned it upside down etc and can't see anything on them, but I suppose that doesn't mean there's nothing there.  Thanx.

[poultrygeist]

Hi eggbound.

Roughlee Handled has posted some useful photos of red mites..

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=36652.0

Are yours anything like these ?

If you squash them, they will leave a red smear.

Rob

[EggBound]

No, no red smear.  They are tiny, dark brown and they squash brown    OH will jet wash henhouse in morning for me; just wonder what sprays, powder etc best to buy when I go to the merchants.  And which to put on hens and which on house 

[poultrygeist]

I wouldn't want to advise without knowing what sort of mites they might be. I've not had to deal with them personally, but I'm sure someone else can offer help.

If there are none on the hens and they are showing no signs of being troubled directly, I'd be tempted to just treat the ouse for now but hopefully you'll be properly advised soon.

Rob

[Foxy]

Sounds more like your regular lice, small brown, and look like sesame seeds???

Here is some good information

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=5250.0