Red Mites in Birds

Red mites or bird mites are parasites that are mainly active at night. During the day, they hide in cracks and crevices in the bird enclosure. They can also conceal themselves under perches, in nesting boxes, and under food bowls. These parasites feed on the blood of birds at night. Chickens are their preferred host.

Birds can suffer greatly from these red mites. The bites cause itching, leading to restlessness and pecking behavior among birds. In cases of severe infestation, the blood-sucking can even result in anemia in birds. In addition to the direct symptoms they cause, mites can also transmit diseases such as salmonella, E. coli, and avian influenza. This is a very good reason to combat these red mites—or better yet, prevent them!

Would you like to learn more about what red mites are, what symptoms they cause, how to recognize them, and whether humans can also be affected? Then read our blog about red mites.

Combating Red Mite in Birds

To combat red mites, it is important to treat both the environment and the birds themselves.

Treating the Environment Against Red Mite

To fight red mites, it is crucial to thoroughly clean the coop, cage, or aviary. Additionally, all cracks and crevices should be sealed as much as possible.

There are several products available to treat the environment:

• You can make the environment less attractive to red mites.
• You can roughen surfaces using Oropharma Mite-Killer. This has an abrasive effect on mites, damaging their outer shell, causing them to dry out and die.
• You can eliminate mites with chemical treatments.

Treating Birds Against Red Mite

Birds themselves can also be treated for red mites. This can be done with natural remedies such as Excellent Red Mite Powder. Another option is treatment with ivermectin.

Preventing Red Mite in the Bird Enclosure

Red mites are difficult to control and prevent because they can be carried in by wild animals. Therefore, it is important to regularly inspect the enclosures.

Try to make the enclosure as unattractive as possible for mites. Seal cracks and crevices, use white lime (which absorbs moisture and makes the enclosure brighter), and choose bedding materials that repel red mites, such as Diatomaceous Earth and Tobacco Shavings.

You can also provide your birds with dietary supplements that make them less attractive to mites.