Banty Rooster came to live with me-Know nothing about chickens!

[HayGirlitsMe]

Refugee rooster made it over property line to live with me. He's been mine now for about 6 months. Converted a 2 stall horse run in to a coop for his safety. Kept him warm and safe all winter even bringing him inside (large kennel) in utility room during the 2 freak snows we had. Yes, he's a part of the family now. My ignorance let him get leg mites. When he started to limp I quickly took to a Avian vet. He's been medicated and I'm doing my part to help rid him of the mites. What I need to do is a Dust Box. I'm researching how best to do this and could use advise on 2 topics: 1) Best way to rid the coop of the bugs! Vet said apply some type of disinfectant but to be sure it is not going to be lethal to the bird once I get him back in his coop (which I suspect will be 2-4 weeks). 2) Where does one purchase the stuff to make a dust box and/or should I just make the dirt floor of the shed 1 giant dust box? My fear is that the run in may be too enclosed. Help and advice needed!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I'd suggest searching here
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

Or ask on this forum - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance.9/

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Hi there! You can purchase powders and sprays for lice and mites. When I do my dust baths for my flock I use sand , not play sand, mixed with ash from a wood stove . Ash acts as a natural repellent. I put the mixture in an old tire and replenish as needed.

 

[HayGirlitsMe]

Hi there! You can purchase powders and sprays for lice and mites. When I do my dust baths for my flock I use sand , not play sand, mixed with ash from a wood stove . Ash acts as a natural repellent. I put the mixture in an old tire and replenish as needed.

 

[tootmany]

Hello and welcome! Good luck with the mites! Makes me happy that you welcomed him with open arms

 

[HayGirlitsMe]

That is good news for sure! I will look for powders and sprays. Do you think ashes from burned oak wood would work? I don't have a wood stove or fireplace but frequently have a bonfire.

 

[HayGirlitsMe]

Hello and welcome! Good luck with the mites! Makes me happy that you welcomed him with open arms

 

[HenHouse4Life]

That is good news for sure! I will look for powders and sprays. Do you think ashes from burned oak wood would work? I don't have a wood stove or fireplace but frequently have a bonfire.

I have used bonfire ash before, the chickens love it!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

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[HayGirlitsMe]

I have big heart where animals are concerned.