Poultry Red Mite Infestations and Hen Welfare

Poultry red mite is one of the most significant welfare and economic threats to laying hen production worldwide.

Key Facts

Dermanyssus gallinae feeds on hen blood at night, causing anaemia and restlessness
Heavy infestations can kill hens, particularly young and already-stressed birds
Mites hide in cracks and structures during the day, making eradication difficult
Chemical resistance in mite populations is increasingly common
Free-range and organic systems are not immune to infestations

Welfare Considerations

Poultry red mite causes persistent, low-grade suffering that is easy to overlook. Hens experiencing heavy mite burdens show reduced feeding, restlessness at night, anaemia, and feather condition decline. Immune responses are chronically activated, redirecting energy away from health and production. Control measures including acaricides carry their own welfare implications through chemical exposure. Structural improvements in house design and regular monitoring offer more sustainable welfare protection than chemical-only approaches.

What You Can Do

Support egg producers who use integrated mite management
Learn to recognise signs of red mite in backyard flocks
Advocate for housing design standards that reduce mite harborage sites
Choose eggs from producers who publish flock health monitoring data