[SusieB]

I have had several lots of ex-batts and they have never had red mite.  I am getting some new ones on Saturday and I am worried that the warmer (!) weather might mean they are more likely to have red mite.  Should I treat them just in case?  Or wait and see by which time an epidemic might have started!

[New shoot]

Red mite live in the housing, rather than on the birds.  You might find the odd one that hasn't made its way home, but generally they crawl out at night and vanish again by morning.

Are you going to quarantine the new birds?  It is a good idea if you can.  The newbies will need a good check over for feather mites and it might be a good idea to worm the lot, as soon as you feel the newbies are up to it

[SusieB]

Yes I'm going to quarantine for a couple of weeks.  But was planning to let them 'meet at the fence' after a week. 

The two newbie ex-batts will be quarantined in a plastic Eglu.  How will I know if they might have brought the odd red mite home, as their behaviour won't be normal anyway?

[8doubles]

Smear some vaseline around the ends of the perch so the mite cannot cross it to hide, then it is just a matter of checking the underside of the perch for the varmints.

I have a lot of faith in diatomaceous earth and suggest you buy a big tub to sprinkle around after cleaning the coop.

With red mite prevention is so much better than cure !

[Sassy]

You can also use white paper and wipe it in and around gaps, crevices etc in the housing, if it has red marks there are red mite. This may be a bit hit and miss though as you may only be talking about the odd one! Hopefully all will be well but definitely quarantine 

[SusieB]

Thanks everybody.  I will vigilant and use white paper.  If necessary I can treat them whilst quarantined and living in a plastic Eglu.  I understand this will be easier than treating them than when they move into the wooden main coop.

Thanks.