Mites and lice: inspect birds and the coop
Not every poultry parasite spends its life in the same place. An inspection of feathers alone may miss pests hiding in the housing. Itching, feather damage and pale combs are reasons to investigate, not proof of a particular parasite.
Check more than one location
Gently examine suitable birds and inspect perches, joints, nest areas and cracks. For suspected night-active mites, inspection after dark may be informative. Record or photograph what you find and seek identification if uncertain.
Treat the right problem
Choose a poultry-appropriate product and follow directions for the bird, housing or both as specified. Keep birds away from unsafe application conditions. Confirm retreatment instructions and egg restrictions rather than improvising a stronger mixture.
Review the environment
Clean and manage housing according to the treatment plan. Check new birds and second-hand equipment before use. Herbs and dust baths do not provide a dependable treatment for an established infestation.
Next step: add parasite checks to the cleaning sheet, and record follow-up findings. If a bird is weak or seriously affected, seek veterinary care while dealing with the environment.
Further reading: Merck Veterinary Manual - Common infectious diseases in backyard poultry. General education, checked 18 October 2026. This article is not veterinary diagnosis or a treatment prescription.