- Feb 5, 2014
- 5
- 2
- 64
How do I tell if my chickens have mites or lice? Today I was checking over one of my young chickens and I saw a couple of little bugs crawl across her skin. She is one of four and is about 8 weeks old, I have not seen them dust bathe yet like the adults do all the time. I also just checked all my adult birds last weekend and I didn't see any bugs at that point.
The bugs were sort of oval shaped and like a brownish reddish color (but not dark or bright), they were actually kind of the color of dog lice now that I think about it. There was none of the buildup around the base of her feathers that I know means lice. SO how do I know if she has lice or mites and how do I start treating for them? I'd like to avoid the chemical treatments but I'm open to them if necessary. I read somewhere that wood ash is really good for pests and I have lots of that. I always use DE when I clean out the coop (which I did a few weeks ago), I know that has mixed reviews.
Whatever the bugs are I don't think I have a major infestation yet but I'd obviously like to prevent that from happening.
The bugs were sort of oval shaped and like a brownish reddish color (but not dark or bright), they were actually kind of the color of dog lice now that I think about it. There was none of the buildup around the base of her feathers that I know means lice. SO how do I know if she has lice or mites and how do I start treating for them? I'd like to avoid the chemical treatments but I'm open to them if necessary. I read somewhere that wood ash is really good for pests and I have lots of that. I always use DE when I clean out the coop (which I did a few weeks ago), I know that has mixed reviews.
Whatever the bugs are I don't think I have a major infestation yet but I'd obviously like to prevent that from happening.
