Arizona Chickens

[Sonoran Silkies]

I've pretty much given up on DE. Sweet PDZ seems to dry things up better, and Sevin and permethrin dusts actually work to kill the bugs. Ditto for cat/dog flea/tick sprays and shampoos. I tend to use the powders in bedding and the spray or shampoo on the birds. I will sometimes use a concentrated premise spray on the whole coop.

I've had a dickens of a time with mites all winter; no lice for quite awhile, though. However, I do keep checking--you can lose babies FAST.

You used to be able to purchase 5 and 10lb bags of sevin; now the best I can find is a 3 pack of 1 lb containers at Lowes (I don't know anyone else who carries the 3-pack). I think the garden/poultry dust at ACE comes in 4lb bag. If I had only one coop, those would be fine; but I have a plethora of coops, and really would prefer to purchase a much larger quantity--it tends to be a lot less expensive that way.

Some folks use frontline spray; there have been concerns about it affecting fertility, though.

 

[LarryPQ]

I've pretty much given up on DE.  Sweet PDZ seems to dry things up better, and Sevin and permethrin dusts actually work to kill the bugs.  Ditto for cat/dog flea/tick sprays and shampoos.  I tend to use the powders in bedding and the spray or shampoo on the birds.  I will sometimes  use a concentrated premise spray on the whole coop. 

I've had a dickens of a time with mites all winter; no lice for quite awhile, though.  However, I do keep checking--you can lose babies FAST.

You used to be able to purchase 5 and 10lb bags of sevin; now the best I can find is a 3 pack of 1 lb containers at Lowes (I don't know anyone else who carries the 3-pack).  I think the garden/poultry dust at ACE comes in  4lb bag.  If I had only one coop, those would be fine; but I have a plethora of coops, and really would prefer to purchase a much larger quantity--it tends to be a lot less expensive that way.

Some folks use frontline spray; there have been concerns about it affecting fertility, though.

Agreed.

Whenever my Walmart has sevin dust, I buy all they have. They don't restock it reliably, and I HATE it when I don't have any on hand.

 

[tightwad]

I've pretty much given up on DE. Sweet PDZ seems to dry things up better, and Sevin and permethrin dusts actually work to kill the bugs. Ditto for cat/dog flea/tick sprays and shampoos. I tend to use the powders in bedding and the spray or shampoo on the birds. I will sometimes use a concentrated premise spray on the whole coop.

I've had a dickens of a time with mites all winter; no lice for quite awhile, though. However, I do keep checking--you can lose babies FAST.

You used to be able to purchase 5 and 10lb bags of sevin; now the best I can find is a 3 pack of 1 lb containers at Lowes (I don't know anyone else who carries the 3-pack). I think the garden/poultry dust at ACE comes in 4lb bag. If I had only one coop, those would be fine; but I have a plethora of coops, and really would prefer to purchase a much larger quantity--it tends to be a lot less expensive that way.

Some folks use frontline spray; there have been concerns about it affecting fertility, though.

So the dog flea/tick spray and shampoo works on the mites & lice? Would there be any withdrawal period that you know of? Thanks.

 

[notinoz2007]

Quote: i buy it at the feed store. i have 50 # in a rubbermaid out in the coop. i put it all over the yard and still have a ton, come get some of mine.

also, a friend of a friend of mine has a turken pair they are looking to rehome at no cost. if anyone is interested PM me and i'll get the conversation started with the owners. not sure of colors or age, just know its roo and hen. ask away and i'll get answers for you.

 

[Arpey]

So, What are the chances?

I bought two polish chickens at the chicken show a few weeks ago. I was told at the time that they would "start laying soon." Today, both these chickens escaped the run through a tiny hole in the sunscreen--TWICE. I was running late for a meeting, so tossed them in a dog kennel until I got home, as I didn't want them to escape again. When I got home, there where TWO eggs in the kennel! What are the chances that both girls would start laying on the same day? Where they looking for a better nesting box when they escaped? I've never gotten an egg before and I've never had to run down my street chasing a polish hen either!

I did search the run up and down when I got back to see if maybe there was a hidden nest, but didn't see any eggs.... I'm so eggcited and puzzled by this, all at the same time!

 

[pastrymama]

I like to use the eprinex drop on for lice/mites. Still have to dust the coop, but don't have to worry about birds flapping a cloud of funk into my lungs.

 

[In2Ice]

Higley Feed has food grade DE for $22 for a 40lb. Bag. I bought some there last week.

 

[itsredcandy]

So, What are the chances?

I bought two polish chickens at the chicken show a few weeks ago. I was told at the time that they would "start laying soon." Today, both these chickens escaped the run through a tiny hole in the sunscreen--TWICE. I was running late for a meeting, so tossed them in a dog kennel until I got home, as I didn't want them to escape again. When I got home, there where TWO eggs in the kennel! What are the chances that both girls would start laying on the same day? Where they looking for a better nesting box when they escaped? I've never gotten an egg before and I've never had to run down my street chasing a polish hen either!

I did search the run up and down when I got back to see if maybe there was a hidden nest, but didn't see any eggs.... I'm so eggcited and puzzled by this, all at the same time!

Congrats on your first eggs. Very strange. But couldn't help but laugh as I read the "I've never had to run down my street chasing a polish hen either" I could just see this happening to me. Oh my goodness.

~Selina

 

[itsredcandy]

LareePQG, Sonoran Silkies, notinoz2007, In2Ice

Thank you all. I will try Shoppers then Higley Feed (shoppers is more convenient) Then I'll check Walmart and Lowes for Sevin

Notinoz2007, I wouldn't want to take your stock. I'll get a rubbermaid tote to store it in as well.

 

[turkeybreeder]

laree what is DE
do most feed stores
carry it thank you

I buy the big 50# bags at Western Ranchman. I think they were ~$30 a bag, last time I looked.
I use DE as a preventative, but I have started using the harsher stuff when I see the infestation actually happening. Sevin dust for the environment, Poultry Dust for the birds themselves.
Usually I will get a rubbermaid container and mix:
1 bag play sand
1 gallon scoop DE
1 can poultry dust
At night (preferably), take mix outside, grab birds, dunk in bucket, and scrub sand into and under their feathers. Gently, of course. Expect flapping--wear a bandana or something.
Then I leave the tub in the run (under cover to prevent it from getting wet) for the birds to bathe in.