I tried the Neem Oil but that didn't seem to do anything. So I sprayed the houses with sevn. Killed everything I sprayed. Then put some dust down on top of there pine savings and underneath there savings in the nesting boxes. So we will see. Odd that the 17 small ones in the grow pen have nothing. On them or in there house which is right next to the big girls. The only difference being I give the young ones ACV in there water all the time. I think I have new found respect for it. I will start giving it to the big girls from now on!!
Hey, I wanted to send this info to you, re: mites. I was there and it was horrible. Just seemed as soon as I walked inside the coop my skin was crawling. I did the dusting (7 Dust, DE) but with not a lot of success, and I really needed to knock those things out. I usually spray everything with bleach at least once a year. Well, the rains prevented that timely management. Probably not the best idea, but I knew the wood was getting a good soaking/bleaching and as you now realize, they grow in wood stuff.
#1
On BYC started researching older posts, etc. Heard about this spray, Scalex Mite and Lice Spray for Birds, from Murray McMurray. Also ordered the strips. Tony, no kidding, sprayed all the boxes, after removing debris/poo etc. the roof area over perch's etc. and wood support/framing. (Mostly open air coops, not closed in coop) Within 24 hours, just amazing how calm it was inside the coop. Chickens nor I had the heebies.
Prior to this product, it would so gross me out, I could feel them on me and in my hair. Would strip down on the back porch, put clothes in plastic bags, straight to washer. Then get a hot shower using a little regular vinegar in my shampoo because I didn't want those things boring into my hair and skin. Just makes me itch thinking about it! Lightly misted any fabrics inside my home and furnishings with the vinegar/ water.
Now, I keep a bottle of this Scalex/mite spray on hand, Don't ever want to let it go there again, if possible. But the sweet thing was I can lightly spray the breast/feet and just down the back of each chicken every month or so, as needed. No bathing. Their skin and feathers are clean. Can even spray the pullets/peepers lightly.
I am able to handle our birds, but, like you, sometimes catching them is tough. They do get a bath in a 5 gallon bucket with anti-bacterial dish wash detergent and a little flea shampoo/rinsed and let go to free range and dry in the sun. Usually during the summer season, as needed. Once or twice.
I'll continue to use seven dust spray, especially as a preventative beginning/end of season. But to knock those critters down and out, this really has worked for us.
Spray is $18.30 Strips are $5.25 for 5 strips. Those just hang over areas they pass through/under. If you put in the name of this spray on BYC, you should get more commentary on it, look for Dawg's comments. (I think it was Dawg?) He has a good understanding of things to do re: worm protocos/schedule, egg withdrawal, and easy to follow directions.
#2
I have also followed his advise re: Oxine. It is very effective for removing viruses, pathos, bacteria, protozoa's, mold. mildew in the coop. Respiratory issues with chickens. After this situation with the cocci and wet weather, we are literally spraying the ground, frame, blocks feed containers etc. to reduce/eliminate the cocci/eggs, among others. Buildings, inside and out along with the grounds and dust/bath areas are being sprayed too. You use 1/4 teaspoon per 2 gallons water in a pump sprayer.
Also safe in the home. Safe to drink if dose is mixed correctly. Don't need the activator if you go to look into it. (It would be too caustic without a mask/respirator to apply.) This is used by government agencies/hospitals in many ways. It us a little pricy, about $24 a gallon, but I think it makes around 300 gallons. I'm really enjoying this product. Much easier than using bleach and at least twice as effective. By the way, bleach doesn't kill alot of virus's etc. This does. It can be used inside the house to clean counter tops, bathroom/showers, mist fabrics, floorings
This may be information overload, but just wanted you to know their is another option, especially in an emergency situation with mites, and/or cocci.
I wasn't sure if I could post this on the thread that Sally has going right now. There are some rules about promoting vendors/web sites, but I don't know them yet. I need to find out for future reference.
I would be terribly embarrased if I got red flagged or in trouble. I'd much rather have the yard stick WHOP!! heehee
I really like her! Heck I like all ya'll!
I will be out most of the day/evening after noon. If you talk to her, please feel free to forward this info to her, and if appropriate, use it/post it, etc. Hope this is helpful, let me know if you need additional info. Take care!
if all 4 don't hatch I'm gonna cry...I don't need more chickens,but they were going strong on day 14,so that would mean it died 
