Parasites

Obvious infestation with parasites renders a bird unfit for show. It is important that breeders and judges are able to recognise parasites on the bird.

STICKFAST FLEAS

Echidnophaga gallinacea, commonly known as the hen flea, stickfast flea and sticktight flea. Seems more common in place where there is sandy soil. When feeding, female fleas can remain attached for up to 6 weeks at a single site on the host, causing ulceration at the attachment site.[1] Males feed intermittently while displaying mating behavior. Eggs are laid in the ulcers that have formed on the host's skin. The larvae drop to the ground and feed on any organic debris found. Large numbers of the flea may congregate around the eyes, comb, wattles, and other naked skin on poultry - these are difficult to dislodge as their heads are embedded deep below the host's skin

LICE

Lice are a common parasite of poultry. They are small, almond-shaped insects that can be found moving on the body of the bird close to the skin around the vent and under the wings especially. Lice lay eggs which group in clusters and these are often seen at the base of the feather adhering to the quill. Live, crawling lice on a bird should eliminate it from competition and discovery should be reported to the steward. Many will elect to remove an infested bird from the shed as it is contagious. If there are lice eggs on the bird but no live lice it is possible the bird has been treated for the parasite. The remaining lice eggs detract from the merit of the bird.

SCALY LEG MITES

Scaley Leg Mites are a parasite that live within the skin of the bird. Over time a crustiness builds up under the scales of the legs and you see the characteristic lumpy and crusty appearance of the skin on the shanks and feet. Scaly Leg Mites can spread although they do not seem to do so quickly. Evidence of infestation heavily detracts from the merit of the bird.

Feather Mites

Signs of feather mites in birds include excessive scratching and preening, feather picking leading to bare patches and feather damage. In a show setting you might observe damage to the feathers often in the wings and tail that appear to be made like little cuts. This is a sign for the breeder to check for feather mites. They are very tiny and are often missed. Treatment is advised if the right type of damage is visible.

Red Mites & Northern Fowl Mites

Both of these types of mites live in the coop and only feed on the blood of the bird at night, so you are unlikely to see them on a bird at a show. A bird that is being impacted by mites will be dull and pale and you may see evidence of where the mites have been in the form of small crusts or scabs.

SOURCES

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echidnophaga_gallinacea Accessed on 7 October 2019.

We would like to acknowledge individuals whose photographs have been contributed in order to help educate the poultry community. All attempts have been made to seek permission. If any breaches of copyright have taken place please contact us on openpoultrystandards@gmail.com and it will be rectified.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse