Hey guys
Started seeing mites crawling on the eggs. Long story short I treated every chicken with 5-6 drops ivermectin pour-on (5% for cattle) 7 days ago.
Now from what I've read about treating these little monsters (northern fowl mite is probably what I'm dealing with) you need to re-treat after 7-10 days.
I've never come across an article about ivermectin, however, that indicates that a repeat dose is necessary.
I'm willing to get in touch with a vet but I just thought I would ask here first.
Do I need to repeat the ivermectin?
Thanks!!
Hi.
I'm curious what made you go STRAIGHT for ivermectin when it isn't even labeled for use in chickens. ONLY way I would EVER use it would be for depluming mites which are microscopic and live inside the feather shaft therefor cannot be treated with topical solutions.
More than worrying about retreating I would be sure you are with holding eggs. I would retreat according to the directions for the
targeted pest. Where did you get your original dosing information from? Any egg withdrawal period? Have you come across article suggesting you use it for
poultry?
NFM are VERY common in the environment and EASILY treated with things that are labeled as SAFE to use in chickens. My preference is the permethtyn spray that was mentioned. It cheaper, safer and effective with NO required holding for eggs when used according to directions plus extremely easy to use. It comes in concentrate forms or I bought mine labeled as
horse fly spray in a trigger bottle to keep the mosquitoes off my goats and dogs. It is labeled for for many species as uses. It costed around $10 and treated 3 large dogs, 2 large goats, and 60+ birds for more than 2 years!
I spray my roosts, walls, lay boxes, and coop floor... as needed (or when I treat the birds and have never done a FULL clean out). My vet said when we keep poultry year round there is no such things as seasonal pest. But I do realize some places the weather really is a contributing factor and some seasons definitely increase certain challenges. But controlling carriers like rodents and other visiting birds to you property might be an important factor.
And mites can build resistance to drugs, so that could be a factor for you as well... if others in your area are OVER using them.
I saw what I would call less than stellar reviews for the poultry protector. If you aren't getting the results you want I would try the permethrin. It has been VERY effective for me for lice and mites.
I never cared for the sevin dust. Just because I don't like dust in general. I have read part of the issue with using the dust is getting it all the way to the skin can be difficult. For me I just don't like breathing what they shake out.
The permethrin spray (comes in powder but we aren't freezing and I prefer spray) also DOES have a residual effect that keeps working for a period of time but that varies according to species and so does suggest reapplication accordingly. Never had to so far. I only treat upon confirmation or suspicion of parasites. I don't believe in prevention, at least not with chemicals that pest build resistance to. So I am careful not to use it for NO reason.
Good luck getting rid of them buggers!
