Ive been keeping hens now for just 6 months. We've had one visit from Mr Fox, 2 months in, who killed 3 of our flock and we learnt alot about when we can free range them safely from that! Had a bout of Scaly Leg Mite 2 months in which I treated very successfuly using vaseline and surgical spirit. We get heaps of eggs from the 3 girls but now have been hit with Red Mites. I visited the wooden coop ( a converted wooden shed) in the dark last night and was horrified to see the 3 hens sat on the floor not on their roosts and lots of red mites - some grey , some brown crawling around everywhere. Some of these got onto my arms also so I showered straight away and all ok :) I am determined to get rid of these things as the hens are not looking their best and i've heard the mites can make them anemic and more suseptible to diesease. I am going to clean the hen house well with strong detergent tonight getting into all the nooks and crannies, spary all of it with the strong detergent and wait for it to dry before letting the chickens back in, dust the hens with red mite powder and dust the bedding also. Im also going to put vaseline around alot of the house to stop the mites in their tracks. Does anyone have any advice if this will work? I have ordered some Diatomaceous Earth (smite powder) which I will use long term and I plan to re apply the detergent (diluted jeyes) every 4 days until they are gone. Other than a blast of hot weather last week is there any reason why the red mites have come? The hens are well fed and watered and have lots of space. Thanks
BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Social › New Member Introductions › Hi! New to the forum - Bristol UK here :)
Recent Reviews
-
The only Cochin that is sweet and very docile is our rooster, the golden laced one will pick on him and the youngsters and the other one likes to growl like a dog while laying eggs( she is very... -
We love our beautiful Cream Legbars! We currently have 13 of these amazing birds. Our oldest hen lays 5-6 blue eggs a week! The best part to me, though, is that you can sex these birds at... -
I like my Silkies. The hens are sweet and one of mine has been very broody lately. My rooster is VERY aggressive- despite being hand raised. He attacks me, my husband, and my sweet 80lbs dog (who... -
I love LOVE love my Brahmas. They lay large, nicely shaped, light brown eggs. They get along with all my other breeds- even though they are the largest. I have 2 white/black that I bought as... -
I have the white Babcock strain. I also have a few brown leghorns which are georgous and very sweet. They are beautiful, very classy looking birds. Great egg layers. They can be a little...
Hi! New to the forum - Bristol UK here :)
Featured Stories on BackYard Chickens
post #2 of 10
8/8/12 at 5:27am
post #3 of 10
8/8/12 at 5:37am
post #4 of 10
8/8/12 at 7:30am
post #5 of 10
8/8/12 at 7:53am
I hear DE works very well. When we dust our chickens we sprinkle some in a plastic shopping bag, put the chicken in it and shake it around the bit. The chickens hate it, but it covers them well and don't do them any harm.
post #6 of 10
8/8/12 at 8:54am
post #7 of 10
8/8/12 at 11:17am
post #8 of 10
8/8/12 at 1:59pm
post #9 of 10
8/8/12 at 4:53pm
post #10 of 10
8/8/12 at 7:39pm
Featured Stories on BackYard Chickens
BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Social › New Member Introductions › Hi! New to the forum - Bristol UK here :)
