day old chicks with lice? HELP!

[fancybanty]

I have a silkie that surprised me with 2 chicks today. I had to bring them inside because we are down in the teens. I got them all set up and while watching them I saw a tiny red bug crawling on one. It disappeared before I could get it off. Now I am worried about the chicks health because they are so little and I am don't believe I could treat them with anything until they are older.

How old before I can treat them and what would be the gentlest form of insecticide to use on them? I would hate to loose these chicks because of bugs or poisoning from an insecticide. Please advise.

I had treated the ground and nest boxes last week when I cleaned with Sevin before putting down bedding, but apparently some have survived.

 

[dlhunicorn]

those are blood sucking lice... clean everything (they do not remain on the birds the entire time as other mites and lice do and might take you a bit to truly get rid of them)... go to your PET STORE in the bird section (cage birds) and you will find a spray that is suitable for spraying ON the birds... use that (protect eyes and nares).

 

[lyndatu]

Lice.......

Letting them dust bathe can help prevent lice and mites, although this won't prevent the problem completely, but it can help. Put them on sand on soil and they will sit then bathe in it. It's fun to watch and don't worry about their movements and positions(It's like they're having seizures). They will enjoy it.

Good luck!

 

[Clucky]

you can also get speciel powder that cures LICE flees ect. it is completely safe to use
regards Clucky

 

[BantyChickMom]

I had noticed some on my 3 day old chick several months ago.
I had some flea spray for cats and I sprayed in on the chick's back, and sprayed it on my fingers and rubbed it on its head and face.
I was scared of doing it at first ( because of how young the chick was) but those little creatures just freaked me out.
The chick got along fine with no side affects from the spray.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

If you have some DE you can also use that to dust them with.....it won't hurt them I've used DE on day olds.....just watch you don't get it near their eyes...

 

[seminolewind]

I agree with the lice treatment for caged birds, because your chicks are so young.