Protecting Your Flocks from External Parasites – Mites and Lice

External parasites, such as mites and poultry lice, are common pests on birds, especially in backyard chickens. They feed on the blood and bite skin, feathers, or scales of the bird. A heavy infestation of these pests can result in poor poultry health, reduced growth and egg production, and sometimes can even cause bird deaths. This article provides basic information on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an infestation, and how to effectively treat infested birds.