Can they do good with just free ranging and snacks

[Painted Calls]

Wow.

 

[Painted Calls]

My birds don't ever have just one or two. If I ever do find them, I treat immediately. That's just being a responsible animal owner. One mite/flea/louse turns into hundreds in no time. It's their whole purpose - to feed off of their host animal and reproduce. I free range too. Luckily I've only ever had one problem.

Fleas also carry tapeworms. So there's that too.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

Wow.

X10!

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

@FluffyLambs @Overo Mare
Bugs are bugs. Theres a difference between a cat with a couple fleas and a cat with a flea infestation. It's the same concept. I accept that they're chickens and will never live in a sterile environment, the same way I will never live in a sterile environment. We can reduce the number of bugs around us, but it's not possible to completely eradicate mites or fleas or roaches (or mice or hawks or racoons or coyotes). It's a pitfall of ... not just free ranging, but living on a dirt floor.
I do treat for worms and I have treated for mites, but I'm not going to freak out if it's just a couple mites. The same way i dont think one flea on a cat is a big deal.

Um, it is possible to get them off you birds though. Completely. I you had a few lice on your head I dont suppose you would not want them to stay, would you?

 

[ackie]

Someone just said you cant free range without them getting mites. I think free ranging is worth the risk.

 

[ackie]

They have ample ability to dust bathe.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Someone just said you cant free range without them getting mites. I think free ranging is worth the risk.

I kinda agree. Plus if wild birds can get in a run, the chickens can still get mites from them. That constantly happens to a group I have

 

[KingD]

mine get mites and I just let it happen

Not judging you immediately, but that's kind of lazy.

 

[Painted Calls]

Free ranging is absolutely worth the risk of pesky bugs. In fact, unless your run is covered in HC and wild birds can't get in.... you still run the risk of parasites even if you dont free range. Just make sure you're not making your animals live with parasites if they have them.

 

[Chickenlover600]

Oh my god, you need to give them food ASAP!

^^This.

There all grown now thanks for all of the feedback. We got our first egg from our easter egger