Black Bugs on Chicks

[blacktailsmom]

They don't look like fleas I can't get a picture of them, they are very small, they seem to fall off easily. Is there anything that is commmon that don't stick to feathers?

Thanks for all thoughts!

 

[millie481]

bump

 

[harewizard]

are you sure they are bugs? Are they moving/crawling/jumping?

Maybe mites?

how do the chicks look otherwise?
Where did you get the chicks??

Lisa

 

[blacktailsmom]

Weeeellll, we got them from Cackle Hatchery, but we only started noticing the bugs after being outside today .... I am sure it is obvious ..... but , what do mites look like?

 

[teach1rusl]

I've never delt with mites myself, but I thought that they would NOT just fall off easily???? I know you said you can't get a pic, but it would help tremendously!

 

[snowflake]

interesting, My daughter has had mights (on her chickens)I thought she said they were white ?? and I don't think they fall off, do jump

 

[millie481]

I know mine went through a spell of mites this winter...they were white. I don't know about little black bugs.

 

[suebee]

Sounds like mites. Black and the size of a pencil point. I have used 5% sevin on day old chicks with no problems...very lightly. Change bedding too. Don't put sevin in the new bedding, just change it. Expect replies saying "NO" to the sevin, but my chicks are 7 years old now, healthy and happy.

Lice are usually white.

 

[blacktailsmom]

Thank you thank you .... don't think Diat Earth if it's mites?

 

[cheshie]

I was going to recommend Diatomaceous Earth, the food grade variety of course. I use this as a natural preventative treatment for my dogs and have also sprinkled some in the bedding of my new pullets. Since it's safe to ingest, I feel comfortable using it. Good luck!