Chicken Mites?

[weloveourchicks]

Everytime I go down to see the girls, I come back with tiny little bugs on me. They actually look like seed ticks but aren't. Are those what the chicken mites look like? How can I safely get rid of them?

Please help.

susan

 

[weloveourchicks]

ok, I did some research and assuming they are chicken mites the internet suggest Seven's Dust. Has anyone tried that? If so was it effective or do you have a better recommendation?

Susan

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

I didn't use seven dust personally, but you can. I used permetherin. To dust your birds, the easiest way I have found is to put the dust inside an old knee high or panty hose that is cut off. Fill it up with enough to do all your birds (you can put it inside a ziplock bag and re-use it, so don't worry about wasting it) Once you have the dust inside the hose, tie it at the top and pat them like you're using a powder puff. Be sure to get around their vents and under their wings VERY WELL, this is where the bugs like to hide the most. When you're dusting, check the bases of their feathers for "egg clusters". They will look like this.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/images/0018_1.jpg

The actual mites that you may be seeing are chicken mites, also called red mites, roost mites, etc. They look like this.

http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/2/2-5/Laura_E_John-1.jpg

After you dust your birds, be sure to do a thorugh cleaning of your coop- clean out all the old litter and dust all around the coop. Then replace the litter. Also- be sure to re-dust your birds again in 10 days or so- as the dust only kills the adult incests, and not the eggs. This will kill whatever hatches after the first dusting. Best of luck- and remember to check your birds monthly or so to keep from getting a reinfestation!

 

[lorimissjane64]

You can also use DE in the same manner as Sevin Dust.

 

[willkatdawson]

I have been fighting both mites and lice for weeks now.

I got a PM from a breeder of standard cochins that uses Hartz Mountain flea and tick shampoo for mites and lice on his chickens. I have'nt used it yet but will let you know how it works once I do. I added these posts from the other day in hopes it will help if the powder doesn't work for you. By the way look VERY closely at the skin of chickens if it looks like a micro super highway you've got lice to. They seem to go hand in hand.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=202494

 

[weloveourchicks]

thanks everyone. I looked at the link and they really don't look like that. They look exactly like seed ticks and are FAST. Everytime I touch a chicken I get them on my hands and arms and have to pick them off.

maybe it's lice?

Either way I am going to get either Seven's or DE tomorrow. What is DE anyway?

Susan

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
What a great post!!! I love that pantyhose idea. I've always used a parmesan shaker, but I like this way better!

 

[Laskaland]

Thought this might help. Wish there were pictures....
http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/publicationD.jsp?publicationId=499

 

[weloveourchicks]

Thanks so much, that link was great. After reading I am thinking they are lice not mites. I plan to get something tomorrow from Southern States; people keep mentioning DE - what exactly is that? If I ask for DE will they know or does that stand for something?

Susan

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

DE stands for Diatomaceous earth- which is essentially the fossils of tiny algae. It works by absorbing the lipids away from the insect's waxy coating of their exoskeletons, therby dehydrating them. It has TONS of uses, and is a chicken-keeper's best friend and a must have! However, YOU MUST BE SURE TO GET FOOD GRADE!!! This is much more fine than that used for gardens and pools, and will not harm you or your chickens if ingested. The other, the industrial stuff, pool or garden form, is too abrasive and could cause harm when ingested. You can use food-grade DE inside your coops, and some people even use it as a worm preventative, for chickens, as well as dogs, cats, etc. It is not a good wormer if you have an active infestation- but my understanding is that it helps to prevent such problems. Best of luck, hope this helps!