IT’S OFTEN

only when red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are infesting a coop that you may notice their effects on your flock, such as:

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feather pecking;

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restlessness at night;

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choosing to lay eggs and perch outside the coop;

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scratched, crusty skin;

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dirty-looking feathers;

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pale comb and wattles.

Exzolt® is a parasiticide for chickens that targets red mites when they feed off a bird’s blood. While it’s expensive, if used correctly, it will eliminate 99% of red mites in the environment.

Dr Jose Doo of the Rangiora Vet Centre has a flock of heritage poultry on her family’s 4ha block just north of Christchurch. She says while it’s exciting to have a new product that works so well, it must be used correctly.

“It’s really important that you follow some basic rules when using it to maintain its effectiveness for as long as possible,” says Jose. “Resistance will eventually happen. Like any tool, the better you look after it, the longer it will work for you.”