Bathing chicken for mites

[Attila the Hen]

And try not to feel too bad about the bath... I only know about bathing being bad for sick birds because I lost one by doing the *exact* same thing.

-Kathy

Thanks. We live and learn.

 

[SIMZ]

Sorry about your hen. X2 on what casportpony said. I probably would have done the same thing you did if she was perking up. We all learn lessons the hard way. You won't do it again (and I won't, either!). I think you're right that there was something else going on and it probably wasn't even the bath that did it.

 

[zekaryah]

What does x2 mean

 

[SIMZ]

What does x2 mean

times two - as in I agree and second that comment.

 

[Folly's place]

We all live and learn, often the hard way. Several years ago I lost three birds, and only with the third nice hen did I figure out the problem; bad mite infestation! Then I lost my mind further, and dusted everyone that night with permethrin powder without wearing a N95 dust mask myself. The birds did great, but I found myself at Urgent Care with asthma going berserk. Not a good experience, and took many months to get better. Since then I always wear the good dust mask, and look for mites and lice weekly, and found permethrin spray, the best thing ever! Mary

 

[zekaryah]

yeah then x2

 

[Herdcutter]

Near the end of March and I had a bloody egg in the box today. I found the hen with the bloody bottom and thought I was going to see that she was egg bound or something along that line....what I found were Lice! I can't believe it.

Soooo off to the farm store to buy a spray or dust! (and a mask). But I have a question, Why when we have had 20's & 30's degree days and nights would there be lice?

And do they bite humans?

 

[Herdcutter]

Oh and can I use sevans dust on the chickens?
You can use it on guinea pigs when they get lice....

 

[Attila the Hen]

From what I understand it doesn't matter how cold it is. I think they may live on the birds to keep warm. I don't think you need to be concerned about them biting you. Hopefully someone who knows more than me will respond

 

[casportpony]

Oh and can I use sevans dust on the chickens?
You can use it on guinea pigs when they get lice....

You can use it, but it's no longer approved for use on livestock, so might be better to use permethrin spray or permethrin dust. You will also need to treat your coop.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1134783/permethrin-spray

You can get this a Tractor Supply:

For poultry mix 5 ml (one teaspoon) to one quart of water.