The Control of Chicken Mites and Lice

The two very common parasites, the chicken mite and the chicken louse, arc responsible for a very large part of the loss suffered annually by poultry raisers, yet they may be dealt with effectively. The symptoms for these two pests are much alike. In severe cases they are as follows: The head and comb become pale, the bird looks sickly, its feathers become ruined and may drop out, it becomes dumpish and thin, and, if it is a female; It may stop laying. Sitting hens may leave the nest; sometimes they die from the effects of these parasites. Generally, the fowls may be seen picking at their feathers as If to remove the insects. To make sure of the presence of either lice or mites, catch the birds and examine them. The lice may be found on them either day or night; the mites usually attack the chickens at night only and during the day stay In cracks In the poultry house as well as in the droppings. The following descriptions will help the poultry raiser to determine which of the pests is attacking his chickens