🐔 How to Identify and Treat Lice, Mites, and Scaly Leg Mites in Backyard Chickens

Backyard chickens bring joy, fresh eggs, and endless entertainment — but they also come with responsibility. One issue many chicken keepers face at some point is dealing with lice, mites, or scaly leg mites. These tiny pests can wreak havoc on your flock’s health if left untreated, so it’s important to know how to spot the signs and treat them early.

Whether you're a new chicken tender or a seasoned backyard farmer, this guide will walk you through what to look for, how to treat infestations, and how to keep your coop pest-free.

🔍 Signs of Lice & Mite Infestation

Lice and mites often go unnoticed until your chickens begin to show symptoms. Here’s what to look for:

• Lice & Their Eggs: Look for tiny white clusters (eggs) and fast-moving bugs around the vent, muffs, and base of feathers.

• Mites: These are harder to spot and often hide under the wings and around the vent. Red roost mites are nocturnal and easiest to see on the roosting bars at night.

• Behavioral & Physical Symptoms:

  • Restlessness or excessive preening

  • Decreased egg production

  • Feather loss or ragged-looking feathers

  • Skin irritation or scabbing

  • Pale comb and wattles

  • Weakness or lethargy

  • Signs of anemia from blood loss

🦵 Signs of Scaly Leg Mites

Unlike lice and feather mites, scaly leg mites burrow under the skin and scales of your chicken’s legs and feet. Signs include:

• Raised or crusty leg scales

• Swelling or deformation of the legs

• Limping or discomfort while walking

• Decreased egg production

• Pale comb, weakness, and overall poor health

🧴 Treatment Options

🧼 For Lice & Feather Mites (Not for scaly leg mites):

• Deep Clean the Coop

  • Remove all bedding from the coop and nesting boxes.

  • Scrub roosts, floors, and corners thoroughly.

  • Use a mixture of white vinegar and water as a natural disinfectant.

• Elector PSP Spray

  • Mix 9mL Elector PSP into 1 gallon of water.

  • Use an insecticide sprayer and mix well — solution is only good for 3 hours.

  • Spray the entire coop, focusing on cracks, crevices, and roost bars.

  • At night, spray each chicken under the wings, around the vent, and on the crest if they have one.

  • Avoid the eyes and shake the sprayer between birds to maintain a good mix.

  • Return chickens to the roost after spraying.

• Permethrin Spray or Powder and Ivermectin are other treatment options. Both require repeated use. Permethrin should not be used around cats. Ivermectin can cause neuroogical problems so use the smallest amount possible and handle with care.

🧠 Pro Tips

• Inspect your flock weekly, especially in warmer months.

• Keep bedding dry and clean to prevent infestations.

• Always follow label instructions on any treatments.

• Mind egg and meat withdrawal times for any products used.

• Consult a vet if your flock shows signs of severe anemia or if you're unsure of the diagnosis.

  
  

🛠️ Need a Handy Guide?

If you'd like to have this information available when you need it most, check out our laminated poultry care cards and Backyard Chicken First Aid Kits in the shop! They're waterproof, portable, and great for quick reference during coop checks or emergency treatment.

👉 Shop Now – Poultry First Aid & Care Cards

❤️ Happy & Healthy Hens

Your chickens rely on you to notice the small signs that something might be off. Staying proactive and prepared can make all the difference. A clean coop, regular inspections, and a stocked first aid kit go a long way in keeping your flock safe, happy, and laying strong.

Got questions or experiences with mites? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear how you’re caring for your birds!