By Beatrice Nakibuuka
For many Ugandan households, poultry farming is more than just a side activity. Chickens provide eggs and meat for the family table and extra income to meet household needs such as school fees and medical bills. But poultry farmers often face a stubborn problem that is easy to overlook: mites.
Mites are tiny parasites that live on chickens and feed on their blood, skin or feathers. Because they are so small, many farmers do not notice them until their birds begin to show signs of trouble.
“Mites are a serious threat to poultry health and productivity,” says poultry veterinarian Dr Yahaya Were. “When birds are heavily infested, they become restless, eat less and egg production drops.”
A problem that hides in the poultry house
Several types of mites affect poultry, but the red poultry mite is among the most common. It hides in cracks and crevices in the poultry house during the day and comes out at night to feed on the birds. Another type, the scaly leg mite, burrows under the scales of a chicken’s legs and causes irritation.
Because mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, farmers often fail to detect them early. Yet the parasites multiply quickly, especially in warm conditions. Poultry houses with cracks in wooden structures, nesting boxes and dirty litter provide perfect hiding places.
As the infestation grows, the birds begin to suffer. They may lose feathers, become weak and, in severe cases, develop anaemia from blood loss.
Farmers’ experiences
Sarah Nakanwagi, a small-scale poultry farmer in Mukono District, says she first realised something was wrong when her hens suddenly stopped laying eggs regularly.
“The birds were scratching themselves a lot and refusing to enter the poultry house at night,” she recalls. “When a veterinary officer came to check, he discovered the house had mites.”
Robert Kato, a farmer in Wakiso District, had a similar experience with his broilers.
“My birds started losing weight even though I was feeding them well,” he says. “When we inspected the poultry house carefully, we saw tiny red insects hiding in the cracks of the wooden perches.”
For both farmers, the discovery explained the sudden drop in productivity.
Signs farmers should watch for
Veterinary experts encourage farmers to observe their birds closely because early detection can prevent serious losses.
Some of the common warning signs include excessive scratching, feather loss, pale combs, feather pecking and reduced egg production. Birds may also appear restless, especially at night when some mites come out to feed.
Farmers may also notice small dark or reddish specks around nesting boxes, walls or perches in the poultry house.
Why mites spread easily
Poor housing conditions often make the problem worse. Dirty litter, overcrowded houses and poorly maintained structures create ideal conditions for mites to thrive.
“If tools or crates are used in different poultry houses without proper cleaning, mites can easily spread from one flock to another,” Dr Were says.
Impact on production
Mites do more than irritate chickens. Birds that are constantly scratching spend less time feeding and resting. As a result, broilers grow slowly and laying hens produce fewer eggs.
Heavy infestations can also weaken birds and make them more vulnerable to diseases.
Nakanwagi says she lost several weeks of egg production before she understood what was affecting her flock.
“Since then, I inspect the poultry house regularly,” she says. “I do not want the problem to catch me by surprise again.”
Clean housing is the first defence
Veterinary experts say good hygiene is the most effective way to prevent mites.
Regular cleaning of poultry houses helps remove litter, dust and organic matter where parasites hide. Nesting boxes, perches and floors should also be cleaned and disinfected.
“A clean poultry house greatly reduces the chances of mites multiplying,” says Dr James Okello, a veterinary officer who works with poultry farmers in central Uganda.
Farmers are also advised to repair cracks in walls and wooden structures where mites hide during the day.
Treating birds and their environment
When mites are detected, both the birds and their surroundings must be treated.
“Mites spend much of their time hiding in the poultry house rather than staying on the birds,” Dr Were explains. “If the environment is not treated, the infestation will return.”
Veterinary-approved sprays and powders are commonly used to control mites. Farmers should always follow the recommended instructions when using these products.
Some farmers also provide dust baths made from sand or ash. Chickens naturally roll in dust to clean their feathers and remove some parasites, although this method alone may not eliminate a serious infestation.
Experts say the best defence against mites is vigilance. Farmers who regularly inspect their birds and poultry houses are more likely to detect problems early.
