Chiggers

[MitchConnor]

I've read a lot about mites, but I have a question about chiggers. Will these also attack chickens? They are too tiny to see. I would hate for my chickens to have to experience the insane level of itching I went through while trying to set up their coop.
Will a dusting of sulfur and diatomaceous earth drive them away? Any other suggestions? Thank you.

 

[BYCforlife]

I am not sure about chiggers, but if you give your chickens access to a tub of dirt or sand, they will have a "bath" if they are itchy.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, MitchConnor, and welcome to BYC! I agree - I haven't heard about chiggers ever bothering chickens but lice and mites sure can - dust baths help. Here's a link from the Learning Center that discusses fowl parasites if you'd like to peruse it: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/mites-lice-treatment-and-prevention
And in terms of DE...some folks swear by...others say it's hokum. Type DE into the BYC search box and sit back for a few hours of reading if you're interested. Then you can make up your mind on its effectiveness.
And you can visit with some local poultry folks in your state thread in this link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread
Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[MitchConnor]

Thank you. I will definitely give them a dirt bath area.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under MitchConnor

Welcome!

Well, there ya go, I learnt something new today … I had never heard of ‘Chiggers’ and had to Google that one.

Anyways, as you have already received links to some good starting points, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[drumstick diva]

Nice to meet you Mitch,

 

[MitchConnor]

Thank you, This is quickly becoming one of my favorite sites. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. I'm learning a lot.
Thanks.