Red mite is a parasite that is on average present on 83% of European poultry farms and causes many losses*. The introduction of red mite in a poultry house is almost inevitable. On top of that, trends like extending the laying cycle and a shrinking number of options in pesticides contribute to the problem. This makes the importance of fighting this parasite vital for poultry farmers.

The revolutionary Q-Perch is a mechanic solution that controls red mite based on their natural lifecycle. In short: it withholds from eating and thereby prevents them from reproducing.

The Q-Perch (patented) is a perch containing two barriers that kill red mite on their journey towards the chicken. There is a small electrical current running through the barriers with which the chickens cannot come into contact, but is lethal for red mite. Since the red mite cannot reproduce without feed, the population never increases, and thus this solution makes the use of pesticides redundant.

Traditional methods of red mite treatment are reactive. Once the effects of red mite become visible, one will start treatment. The Q-Perch offers a continuous line of defence preventing the negative effects of red mite to occur, and of course, prevention is better than cure.

Maximum perching comfort

The mushroom shape of the Q-Perch is studied to be the most comfortable shape for chickens, as it offers stability and grip. Therefore the Q-Perch is beneficial for animal health and welfare, which in turn benefits the farmer as the chickens perform better.

Since 2013 the poultry specialists of Vencomatic Group have been running field tests to validate the functioning of the Q-Perch and to optimize its use. In all trials, the red mite population could consistently be controlled with the Q-Perch persistently, and use of pesticides was not necessary. The system is available in Vencomatic aviary systems.

More information: http://www.vencomaticgroup.com/en/products/layers/housing-solutions/q-perch

* Fact sheet Poultry Red Mite in Europe: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258553789_Fact_sheet_Poultry_Red_Mite_in_Europe