Red mites live in the environment, northern fowl mites live on the bird and ticks jump on, feed and drop off again. Here are some photos and videos to show you the difference.
Treatment
I see a lot of discussion on social media about various over the counter treatments, some of which are veterinary products. If your birds are suffering from a red mite or northern fowl mite infestation you should contact your veterinary surgeon as they can cause anaemia and immunosuppression. The only licenced medicine in poultry is fluralaner, which you can discuss with your veterinary surgeon.
Click here to watch the recording of a red mite webinar I created with Zoetis, makers of Exzolt (fluralaner).
RED MITES
NORTHERN FOWL MITES
TICKS