All classes of poultry are susceptible to mites, some of which are blood-suckers, while others burrow in the skin or live on or in the feathers. Others occur in the air passages and in the lungs, liver and other internal organs. Poultry mites cause retarded growth, reduced egg production, lowered vitality, damaged plumage and even death. Much of the injury, consisting of constant irritation and loss of blood, is not apparent without careful examination. It is a blood-sucker, and when present in large numbers, loss of blood and irritation are sufficient to cause anemia.
Egg production is reduced seriously.
This mite feeds at night, and usually remains hidden in cracks and crevices during the day. It attacks birds at night while they are on the roost. In heavy infestations, some mites may remain on the birds during the day. About a day after feeding, the female lays eggs in cracks and crevices. The eggs hatch, and the mites develop into adults in about a week.