 "D. gallinae" can survive for up to 10 months in an empty hen house, temperatures greater than 45 °C/113 °F and less than -20 °C/-4 °F, have been found to be lethal.The mites normally feed around the breast and legs of hens, causing pain, irritation, and a decrease in egg production.Pustules, scabs, hyperpigmentation and feather loss may develop.