How To Check Hen Nest Boxes For Parasites

As hens lay throughout the summer, it is no bad idea to periodically check their nest boxes and accommodation for signs of parasites and pests. Many of the worst kinds of mites and lice are very hard to see under normal circumstances, so knowing what to look for is very important for the overall health and wellbeing of your flock.

Traditional nest boxes made from wood can be real breeding hotspots for red mites, which love to lurk in the dark cracks and corners of old boxes. These parasites hate sunlight, so they hide in the darkness during the day and only come out at night to feed on the blood of your hens. A good sign of red mite is a thin layer of what looks like grey ash which lies in the tightest nooks and crannies of your nest box. This is the rubbish and detritus associated with red mites, and a very close inspection will reveal tiny red spots which are the mites themselves.

Other signs include red smears on eggshells and a general drop in condition associated with anaemia and blood loss. If left unchecked, red mites can suck your birds’ blood until they die, so keeping an eye out for signs of an infestation can be crucial. There are a variety of ways of dealing with an infestation of red mite, but prevention is often better than a cure.

If you are using traditional wooden nest boxes, it may be a good idea to check their condition and weigh up the advantages of a change. There is nothing wrong with wooden nest boxes, and it could even be that the addition of a plastic nest bottom would be sufficient to improve the hygiene and welfare of your birds.

However, in situations where wooden nest boxes have become run down and dilapidated, it may well be time for a change. There are a variety of modern nest boxes for sale, and all are designed to be easy to clean and maintain.

The new modular chick box has smooth plastic corners which leave parasites with nowhere to hide, and some next boxes are made from long lasting galvanised steel which can be sprayed down with a power washer or scrubbed with disinfectants. Both boxes can come with optional roll out bottoms which keep eggs clean and prevent shell pecking, and a variety of accessories are also available to enhance the comfort, hygiene and cleanliness of the nest box.

Looking out for parasites may take some practice, but remembering the needs of your birds and protecting them from harm is at the root of all smallholding and animal husbandry.

By: Solway Feeders Ltd

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Solway Feeders have been designing and manufacturing poultry equipment for the past twenty years. The wide range of poultry rearing supplies include hen next boxes, parasite repellent and treatments for bird health.