Dermanyssus gallinae (also known as the red mite, poultry mite, red poultry mite, roost mite and chicken mite) is an ectoparasite of poultry and other bird species.
Low numbers of mites mainly cause irritation and annoyance to the chicken and their keeper, making birds restless and the keeper to have itchy skin.
Large numbers of mites can suck enough blood causing anaemia, shown by pale comb and wattles, weakness, dullness and reduced egg production. Death can occur when red mites get out of hand as so much blood is lost by the bird, they can’t survive.
Chicks are very susceptible to a mite infestation as the saliva the mite leaves in and on the chicks skin is toxic.
The red mite lifecycle from egg to adult mite is only between seven and 10 days depending on the environmental temperature, so it is important to keep checking on a weekly basis.
The mites can also crawl up onto human skin and cause irritation, but do not live on humans.
