As a first step in parasite control, chicken houses should be kept clean at all times. It is particularly important to remove dead birds as soon as possible.
Birds become infested with external parasites (ectoparasites) when new chickens are brought onto the farm and through contact with each other.
The following are the most common ectoparasites found in South Africa:
• Lice
Biting lice spend their entire lives on the birds and are found on the skin around the vent and on the breast and thighs. They feed on skin and feathers, and can reduce growth and egg production.
• Mites
These pests differ from lice in that they feed on the blood of chickens. As a result, the birds do not grow well. The three most important poultry mites are:
– Red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae): a large mite that lives in the cracks and crevices of chicken houses and feeds mainly at night. It is difficult to locate during the day.
This story is from the April 23, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the April 23, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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