Baby Robins and bugs....what kind are they?

Question

There is a robin's nest on my porch with four baby robins. They are now growing feathers and are spotted. When I went out today to look at them I noticed hundreds of teeny tiny bugs all over them and the wall behind them. They were even crawling all over my feet. I didn't see these critters before they got feathers(don't know if that will help). I have know idea what these bugs are and hope they aren't a problem for the birds or my kids and I.

Answer 1

Probably bird mites. They do crawl everywhere, I baby sat the neighbors chickens years ago and they were loaded with bird mites.
You can either get lime, or bird mite spray or cooking oil, and cover the area with the sprays. All will help to cut down on the mite population and the Robins will thank you!

Answer 2

7 dust works great and it is not harmful for the birds either i use this on my hawks if they have mites,you can even take and put a little in the nest just take the babies out and sprinkle it in the nest and on the babies feathers the mother bird won't abandon her nest try this if this don't work you'll have to take the babies to a rehab center and destory the nest , here is some info on bird mites Integrated Bird & Mammal Mite Management

Although the normal host animals of biting mites are
birds and rodents, they will bite humans. This occurs
most frequently in the late spring and summer when mite
populations are high and when young birds and rodents
begin to leave their nests. The hungry mites wander away
from these nests in search of food and may be found
climbing about on walls, ceilings and bedding. The bites
of these mites cause itching, swelling and raised,
reddish spots on the skin.

Although standard insect repellents containing
diethyl meta-toluamide (deet) will prevent these mites
from biting, longterm, continuous use of these products
is not recommended.

Effective control of bird and mammal mites is
achieved by:
(1) locating and removing bird or rodent nests;

(2) treating infested areas with an appropriate
pesticide.

The first step is to locate all bird and/or rodent
nests. Search for nests around eaves, in attics, in
chimneys, in wall voids, in basements, and around porches
and foundations. After locating any nests, but BEFORE
removing them, treat with chlorpyrifos. Now, remove any
nests and dispose of them (away from the building!).
Immediately after doing so, thoroughly treat the infested
area. Additional spot treatments in areas where mites are
seen wandering (like baseboards) may be helpful. Be sure
to initiate any structural changes or sanitary measures
needed to prevent re-infestation by birds or mammals.

For a complete listing of suggested control options
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.

Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label.
Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have
any concerns regarding your personal health. Revised by
Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology

Answer 3

Sounds like bird lice. Very common occurrence.