Can Humans Get Mites From Chickens?

The internet is full of beautiful chickens in magazine-worthy coops. But let’s be real, chickens are barnyard animals, and barnyard animals can come with some... yucky pests. One of the biggest concerns for backyard chicken keepers? Mites.

I’ve had people ask me, “Can mites from chickens get on humans?” It’s a good question, especially if, like me, you love snuggling your chickens! So let’s dig into what chicken mites are, whether you should worry and how to keep your flock (and yourself) protected.

What Are Chicken Mites?

Mites are tiny arthropods related to ticks and spiders. They’re part of the Arachnida class, not insects, and while some are harmless, others can cause serious problems for your chickens.

Here are the most common mites found in backyard flocks:

• Red Mites: Nocturnal bloodsuckers that live in the coop and feed on chickens at night. They cause stress and decreased egg production.

• Northern Fowl Mites: Another blood-feeding mite that can lead to anemia and feather loss.

• Scaly Leg Mites: These burrow under the skin of your chicken’s legs and feet, causing thickened scales and irritation.

  
  

Scaly leg mites in chickens, photo credit: American Poultry Association 

Can Chicken Mites Live on Humans?

Short answer: not really. Most mites that affect chickens are host-specific, meaning they prefer birds over people. However, if you’ve handled infested birds or spent time in a dirty coop, you could experience mite bites and temporary skin irritation or mild allergic reactions.

They usually won’t live on humans long-term, but they can hitch a ride on your clothing and cause itching or red bumps.

Can Mites Spread to Other Animals?

Yes. While they don’t typically bother humans, mites can transfer between different animals. If you raise multiple types of poultry, or have pets, proper mite control is even more important to prevent spreading!

How to Prevent Mites in Chickens

Keeping your coop clean and your flock healthy is the best defense. Here’s what I do:

• Use Coop Recuperate: Total game-changer for me. It keeps the coop smelling fresh and helps dry out the moisture that mites love.

• Clean regularly: Remove bedding, droppings and debris on a weekly basis.

• Check chickens frequently: Watch for feather loss, visible mites or scaly legs.

• Quarantine new birds: I personally avoid introducing adult birds. I only add chicks to reduce risk.

And don’t forget about wild birds, they can carry mites too! I use pinwheels, reflective tape and sun shades to keep them from cozying up to my coop and flock.

What if Your Chickens Already Have Mites?

Don’t panic, it happens to the best of us! You can find practical treatment tips in my guide on how to treat mites in chickens.

Don’t Stress, Just Stay Prepared

The risk of getting mites from your chickens is low, but skin irritation can happen with close contact. The key is to stay informed, act quickly, and remember: You’re not failing, you’re just raising barnyard animals in your backyard. And honestly? There’s nothing better than that!

Until next time,

The Wing Lady

Coop Recuperate - Freshen Up Your Chicken Coop Coop Recuperate is a safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odor and moisture and help improve the quality of your compost.

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