Disease sheet · NEXTEKCI School
Lice and mites
red mites · poultry red mite · scaly leg mite
External parasites that live on the birds or hide in the house. They rarely kill outright, but they wear the birds down and reduce laying and growth. The red mite hides in cracks by day and feeds on the birds at night.
Type
parasite
Severity
moderate
Who is affected
Mainly birds kept for a long time: layers, pullets, coloured chickens, free-range birds.
Most affected age
Mainly adults and birds kept for several months.
Signs to look for
- •Lice visible at the base of the feathers, under the wings and around the vent.
- •Restless birds scratching themselves, damaged feathers.
- •Pale comb (anaemia), especially with red mites.
- •Restless birds at night; small red or grey dots in cracks and under perches.
- •Drop in laying; sometimes blood spots on eggs.
- •Scaly leg: raised, thickened scales, crusty legs.
How it spreads
- •Contact with backyard poultry or wild birds.
- •Crates, egg trays and equipment from another farm.
- •Cracks, perches and nests in a poorly cleaned house, from one flock to the next.
Not to be confused with
- •Feather pecking
- •Intestinal worms (weight loss, pale comb)
- •Sticktight fleas
Prevention
- •Examine a few birds every week: under the wings, around the vent, the comb and the legs.
- •Inspect cracks, perches and nests at night with a torch.
- •No contact with backyard poultry; outside equipment disinfected.
- •Careful cleaning of cracks and perches, then downtime between flocks.
What to do if you suspect it
- •Call the vet in your area: they choose the right product, the method and the withdrawal period before selling birds and eggs.
- •Do not use a neighbour’s product or a crop product not intended for poultry.
- •Isolate birds with scaly leg.
- •Plan a thorough cleaning of the house at the end of the flock.
This sheet helps you recognise the disease and react quickly. It does not replace the veterinarian: only they can diagnose and prescribe a treatment. Worried about your flock? Write to us on WhatsApp at +225 05 44 83 27 79.