Broody Hen - Pale Waddles

[Newchickiemamma]

Ugh so I guess I’ve been reading some false information on the internet (surprising). I read that DE will kill fleas and also their eggs and larvae so I totally covered my coop in DE yesterday. Top to bottom.

 

[dunnmom]

For scaly leg mites, I'd not use a tooth brush on the legs. That would be quite irritating to a leg that is already sore. A good soak in epsom salt followed by coating the legs in any type of barrier oil will kill the mites. DE will not kill mites or lice, or fleas.

Epsom, thank you for the suggestion. That didn't even cross my mind. I do have some. I bet that would feel good on their sore skin. Would lukewarm water be best?

 

[lazy gardener]

Yep.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Update: I dusted the coop down with DE but I haven’t been able to apply the Vaseline. My Wyandotte is so moody she keeps biting the q-tips and pecking me as I’m trying to apply it. She also had some sort of tick on her face the other night when I went to let them out to range. I was planning on going up at night and trying to sneak attack her while she was sleeping to get it off but she got it off on her own. It left a small hole but it has since healed. I believe I have more of an infestation than just fleas. She is also itching like crazy and I’m not sure if it’s mites or lice. I checked her feathers and I don’t think I see any lice eggs but I did notice very small sand-colored specks on her feathers every time I open the nesting box to get her out. These specks don’t appear to be moving or are very slow moving if anything. Someone on another thread I posted recommended to use permethrin spray but I’m nervous to use chemicals on my chickens. Has anyone had any luck with this? Is it safe? Also, how do I apply it? Any help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

I would use the Permethrin spray, DE imho is not effective against an infestation. Since you saw lice in addition to the fleas I would try to treat her and the rest of the flock asap.

If she is difficult to handle, wait until nighttime, take her off the roost and gently swaddle her loosely in a towel so you can work on her face. She will likely pitch a fit, if so cover her face with a cloth until she calms down. If you have a helper, even better.
I've found a headlamp with a red light option works well, chickens remain calmer when it's not white light.

The spray, if you bought the concentrate, mix it to the ratio in your instructions. Spray birds under the wings, under the vent and the neck feathers. Try to get to the skin if possible. You will want to clean out your coop and treat that as well. Repeat in 7-10days.

 

[Newchickiemamma]

I went up last night to check for mites, I only saw what I believe might be mites scurrying on the coop itself but nothing on my flock. My biggest concern is my broody chicken, President Lincoln, because she seems to be the itchiest. She has dry skin but I could not find lice eggs or actual lice. Can someone tell me if these sand colored specks on her wings were lice? I read it might be flea eggs!! She has been dust bathing like crazy but since I added DE to her favorite dusting spot she stopped. I didn’t think she would mind it but it seemed to make her itchier and now she won’t go back.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I went up last night to check for mites, I only saw what I believe might be mites scurrying on the coop itself but nothing on my flock. My biggest concern is my broody chicken, President Lincoln, because she seems to be the itchiest. She has dry skin but I could not find lice eggs or actual lice. Can someone tell me if these sand colored specks on her wings were lice? I read it might be flea eggs!! She has been dust bathing like crazy but since I added DE to her favorite dusting spot she stopped. I didn’t think she would mind it but it seemed to make her itchier and now she won’t go back.

Can you take pictures?
Have you treated her with Permethrin or anything else to get kill the fleas?

If she won't dust bath where you added the DE, stir that into the soil really well. Mine love it when I rake or shovel their dirt around.

 

[Newchickiemamma]

I wasn’t able to get any good pictures, it was dark I was holding two flashlights, I was petrified of the rustling in the trees behind me.... I’m going up tonight with my son hopefully he will be able to help me get some pictures! I will be treating my flock with pro manna tomorrow and the coop with permethrin spray. Thanks for the tips!

 

[Newchickiemamma]

Here are some pictures I got of President Lincoln this afternoon. Any input is greatly appreciated. I also took some photos of her tail feathers/skin. Her skin looks dry to me... is this lice or just dry skin?