Could my hens have a disease ?

[CopleyChickens]

Are they picking each other?

Not that we can see. We just took some more pics. So it looks like two Rhode Island reds have very red breastbones- possible hard lump. The one barred rock has possibly early signs of this

 

[janiedoe]

I think you may be dealing with mites or lice.
Permethrin (not good around cats) or ivermectin will probably be the easiest product to find. You'll need to do two treatments around 10 days apart, clean and spray your roosts and coop too.

 

[CopleyChickens]

I think you may be dealing with mites or lice.
Permethrin (not good around cats) or ivermectin will probably be the easiest product to find. You'll need to do two treatments around 10 days apart, clean and spray your roosts and coop too.

It’s seems likely- I wasn’t able to see any lice though. My son checked the roost for red and nothing. We also sprayed with doktor doom (with .50 pyrethrums ) and “shake and baked” them a few weeks in a row , also just threw a bunch of diatomaceous earth on them and around the run and coup. I suppose we could treat again, it just seems strange that two of them are completely fine.

 

[janiedoe]

It’s seems likely- I wasn’t able to see any lice though. My son checked the roost for red and nothing. We also sprayed with doktor doom (with .50 pyrethrums ) and “shake and baked” them a few weeks in a row , also just threw a bunch of diatomaceous earth on them and around the run and coup. I suppose we could treat again, it just seems strange that two of them are completely fine.

Diatomaceous earth doesn't really help. In fact, it's hard on their respiratory system.
I'd try an ivermectin treatment. It's pretty easy, just 3 to 4 drops for a standard chickens. Part the feathers and place it on bare skin. Repeat in 10 to 14 days.

 

[CopleyChickens]

Diatomaceous earth doesn't really help. In fact, it's hard on their respiratory system.
I'd try an ivermectin treatment. It's pretty easy, just 3 to 4 drops for a standard chickens. Part the feathers and place it on bare skin. Repeat in 10 to 14 days.

Okay I suppose we could try. I called the feed store and said they have it for horses and cattle- do we use the same stuff just the dosage you say ?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Good luck with your flock.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Hello, welcome to BYC!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[janiedoe]

Okay I suppose we could try. I called the feed store and said they have it for horses and cattle- do we use the same stuff just the dosage you say ?

It is ivermectin pour on. This should be the same that they have at the feed store.

I reread my notes. Use an eye dropper and put 4 drops on each bird. If you have any bantams, use 3 drops on them. Repeat between 14 and 21 days.

 

[Isadora]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! I'm so glad you decided to join our friendly and helpful community