Do I need to treat mites in asymptomatic girls?

[coconutprincess]

Hi

Just wondered how you were getting on as I seen to be having the same problem only these things are actually biting me and have been for afew days!! I have treated the chicks and the brooder and they seem fine, looked under the feathers and all clear

Hi there, well, I treated my girls by sprinkling them all over (backs, under wings and vent area) avoiding their heads with sevin dust first and then diatomaceous earth. They did a nice job distributing it themselves by ruffling and shaking their feathers after, so I believe it got down to the skin. Then I sprinkled diatomaceous earth liberally on all the areas they usually take dust baths. This was a week and a half ago and I have not seen one mite since! I check my clothing etc before I go into the house. I am going to repeat the same treatment this weekend, because I read somewhere that you need to re-treat in 2 weeks to get the mites that hatch from the eggs that were left behind. I hope this helps. It really wasn't difficult to do and I was surprised at how good and noticeable the results were right away...was kind of expecting it to be a nightmare but so far, so good! I will keep you posted if anything changes and good luck!

 

[coconutprincess]

Hi, I just posted a reply as to how I was getting on with the mite thing...don't know if I did it right as I'm new to this, but if you go to the thread you will see my reply...or I will cut and paste it at the end of this so it will go directly to you. What caught my eye was your post saying you were in Ireland and was just wondering which part? My parents live in Mayo, Achill Island and I just got back from there myself. I usually go once a year sometimes twice as the whole family is there. Funny I never remember Granny fussing this much about her chickens! and she definitely didn't have names on hers like I do! she'd probably be rolling her eyes at me! oh well, anyway I'll cut and paste my reply and good luck

 

[coconutprincess]

cut and pasted reply: Hi there, well, I treated my girls by sprinkling them all over (backs, under wings and vent area) avoiding their heads with sevin dust first and then diatomaceous earth. They did a nice job distributing it themselves by ruffling and shaking their feathers after, so I believe it got down to the skin. Then I sprinkled diatomaceous earth liberally on all the areas they usually take dust baths. This was a week and a half ago and I have not seen one mite since! I check my clothing etc before I go into the house. I am going to repeat the same treatment this weekend, because I read somewhere that you need to re-treat in 2 weeks to get the mites that hatch from the eggs that were left behind. I hope this helps. It really wasn't difficult to do and I was surprised at how good and noticeable the results were right away...was kind of expecting it to be a nightmare but so far, so good! I will keep you posted if anything changes and good luck!