Random_Girl66 Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Hi, I was looking in my compost bin this weekend (as you do!) and noticed lots of creepy crawlies but in particluar I saw what I assume are red mites - tiny red spider type things. I hadn't yet dumped this weeks chicken stuff in there but I do usually so now I'm concerned that my lot might have red mite. They are in an Eglu that I clean every weekend and spray liberally with red mite control spray. I also use diatomaceous earth each week in their bedding and their dust baths. They seem perfectly fine. If they don't have red mite at the moment and the little critters just live in the compost is there a chance the chickens could 'catch' them if they FR near the compost bin? Would welcome your views, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 They sound like red spider mites as opposed to red mites. Have a google of some images and see if they look like them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random_Girl66 Posted April 11, 2011 Author Share Posted April 11, 2011 Thank you, Claret, and yes you are right. Pretty sure they are red spider mites - sigh of relief Panic over ! So glad I found this forum - knew you chaps would help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 When you have chickens, you immediately suspect everything of being red mite / lice / worms / some other chicken nemesis! Well I know I do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 S'OK, there are all manner of critters crawling around in my compost - I eye all of them with suspicion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 I was exactly the same the first time I saw a red spider mite crawling along the top of the coop one day, I was horrified, then I googled it and looked in books and was so relieved it wasn't the dreaded red mite after all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
