Why Are My Chickens Scratching More at Night? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your chickens are scratching more at night, red mite is one of the most common reasons. These mites hide in the coop during the day and come out to feed after dark, so birds can seem restless, itchy or unsettled at night even if they look fairly normal in daylight.
There can be other causes too, including litter irritation, general feather damage, or other parasites. The aim is to check the birds and the coop calmly, then narrow down what looks most likely.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the scratching is mainly happening after dusk or when the birds are settled on the perch.
2. Look along perches, joints, cracks and nesting areas for tiny moving specks, dark staining or dust-like residue.
3. Inspect the birds for pale combs, restlessness, damaged feathers, scabs, or signs they are being bothered at night.
4. Check the coop for damp bedding, dust build-up, dirty corners or areas that are hard to clean properly.
5. Notice whether one bird or the whole flock seems affected, as that can help you work out if it is a bird issue or a coop issue.
6. Review recent changes such as new bedding, a newly introduced bird, warmer weather, or a spell of poor coop cleaning.
7. Watch for reduced egg laying, lower energy, or birds avoiding the coop, which can suggest they are not settling well.
Common Causes
Red mite is the most common cause of night-time scratching because it lives in the coop and feeds after dark. Birds may become unsettled, scratch, peck at themselves or resist going to roost.
Dirty bedding, dusty litter or a damp coop can also make birds scratch more, especially if their skin or feet are irritated.
Other external parasites can cause itching too, although they are not always as noticeable at first. Feather damage from pecking or preening can also make birds look restless and itchy.
Less commonly, a bird may be uncomfortable for another health reason, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the whole flock if the behaviour is new or worsening.
What To Do
Start by checking the coop at night with a torch, especially around perches, joints and crevices. That is often the quickest way to see whether mites are present.
Improve routine cleaning, remove old bedding, and make sure the coop is as dry and tidy as possible. Red mite can hide in tiny gaps, so careful environmental cleaning is usually an important part of owner management.
Keep a simple note of when the scratching happens, which birds are affected, and whether you can see any signs in the coop. That makes it easier to spot patterns over a few days.
If only one bird seems uncomfortable, check it closely for skin damage, broken feathers or signs of bullying. If the whole flock is restless, look more closely at the housing and roosting areas.
Move calmly and avoid overhandling the birds if they are already stressed. A settled, regular routine can help you judge whether things are improving or getting worse.
Products That May Help
If you are dealing with red mite or other flock hygiene concerns, a general poultry collection can be useful alongside good cleaning routines and regular coop checks.
Related Questions
How can I tell if my chickens have red mite?
Can red mite live in the coop during the day?
What should I check in the coop if my chickens are restless at night?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.