I've been badly overlookin' things in your thread, for which I apologize ...
Primary concern: The respiratory problems may be the result of closin' up the coop more tightly, which dramatically increases humidity in colder weather, and concentrates anything that may become airborne, and further reduces the quality of the air: Dry and cold is far better than wet and warm, provided adjustments to the temperatures are made slowly, so your flock can become acclimated.
Maximize air flow during the daytime, when they're not in the coop -- most folks have a fan they're not usin' for anything else, which could be hung high.
Eliminate any wet conditions, especially if ammonia is being produced from the floor ... clean and disinfect.
And, replacing their water w/ an astringent solution of Apple Cider Vinegar at the rate of four teaspoons to each gallon of water (but not galvanized metal containers) will help, as the tannin from the apple reduces the viscosity of mucus, and 'cuts through' the coatings w/in the mouth, throat and intestines, which helps your birds more easily expel the mucus, and all that it contains. This also improves the uptake of vitamins/minerals, and further boosts their immune systems.
Secondary concern: External and internal parasites.
As to the worms? The ACV will help create a more hostile environment for them, and you can immediately add dimetomaceous earth at about 2% by weight to their food. These, alone, will NOT eliminate infestations, but it will most certainly serve to reduce their loads ... you're still gonna have to deworm 'em at some point, but I'd try 'n find a way to shed 'em a few at a time, rather than risking the threat that too many at once presents.
As to the lice/mites? I prefer the chemically manufactured Permethrin w/o any synergist, even over the naturally obtained Permethrum, due to the fact that it breaks down completely w/in a month or so and metabolizes well. It's relatively very safe and most often effective, provided no resistance has developed. It's the most popular active ingredient found w/in lice shampoos that humans use ... figure that should carry considerable weight. Once the infestation is brought under control, coating their roosts and providing a really good, and bone dry, dusting bath (I use wood ashes, DE, and screened clay soil) should be sufficient to prevent reinfestation.
Primary concern: The respiratory problems may be the result of closin' up the coop more tightly, which dramatically increases humidity in colder weather, and concentrates anything that may become airborne, and further reduces the quality of the air: Dry and cold is far better than wet and warm, provided adjustments to the temperatures are made slowly, so your flock can become acclimated.
Maximize air flow during the daytime, when they're not in the coop -- most folks have a fan they're not usin' for anything else, which could be hung high.
Eliminate any wet conditions, especially if ammonia is being produced from the floor ... clean and disinfect.
And, replacing their water w/ an astringent solution of Apple Cider Vinegar at the rate of four teaspoons to each gallon of water (but not galvanized metal containers) will help, as the tannin from the apple reduces the viscosity of mucus, and 'cuts through' the coatings w/in the mouth, throat and intestines, which helps your birds more easily expel the mucus, and all that it contains. This also improves the uptake of vitamins/minerals, and further boosts their immune systems.
Secondary concern: External and internal parasites.
As to the worms? The ACV will help create a more hostile environment for them, and you can immediately add dimetomaceous earth at about 2% by weight to their food. These, alone, will NOT eliminate infestations, but it will most certainly serve to reduce their loads ... you're still gonna have to deworm 'em at some point, but I'd try 'n find a way to shed 'em a few at a time, rather than risking the threat that too many at once presents.
As to the lice/mites? I prefer the chemically manufactured Permethrin w/o any synergist, even over the naturally obtained Permethrum, due to the fact that it breaks down completely w/in a month or so and metabolizes well. It's relatively very safe and most often effective, provided no resistance has developed. It's the most popular active ingredient found w/in lice shampoos that humans use ... figure that should carry considerable weight. Once the infestation is brought under control, coating their roosts and providing a really good, and bone dry, dusting bath (I use wood ashes, DE, and screened clay soil) should be sufficient to prevent reinfestation.
