Does anyone know anything about Scalex?

[easttxchick]

I'm pretty sure my one of my birds has feather mites(which means they all do, I'm sure).
My question is this: Does anyone know anything about Scalex? I have some and since I am having to treat almost 40 birds by myself, thought this might be easier than trying to dust them all(I am very concerned about ANY chemicals near my birds, but since I have to do something, trying to determine the lesser of 2 evils).
Any input would be very much appreciated.

ETA: I also have some Poultry Protector which is supposed to be non-toxic and can be sprayed directly on my birds, but I really don't know if it is effective.

 

[Chickielady]

Hi, this is just my opinion, but I use diatemaceous earth in a "sand box" and my birds are so super happy.
Here is what I did, build a box of 2x8 or 10 about 20"X20" and plywood bottom, in your coop out of the rain.
In it add, 1 50# sack of fine sand from home depot (or other home store) and a few big scoops of diatemaceous earth (like flour) found at feed stores.
To that I add a few shakes of poultry and vegetable dust (active ingredient is pyrethrin, or chrysanthemum extract)
Then mix it up.
First thing in the morning before you let them out, hold each chicken in the dust box and gently fluff each one under the wings and on her fanny...get the belly, do not toss any at the vent, or head, directly, then let that one go.
I did this to all mine after discovering the dredded northern mite infestation.
Also clean out the coop, put fresh straw, etc.
I suspect the reason infestations happen so badly in winter months is that the hens cannot find a dry pile of dirt to bath in.
I have not had any mites since.

We also use a little scoop mixed in their feed, kills crop and intestinal worms, so no worms.
Now all the birds have the idea and bathe when they feel they need to, and I still check them.
Watch for scale (leg) mites, too...vaseline+Vick's vapo rub and a few drops of tea tree oil and/or a few drops of pyrethrin mix up and "wax" it against the grain of the chicken's leg scales.
Pyrethrin is the active ingredient in dog flea and tick meds that are applied to the dog's fur at the neck..safe and effective.
And you do not need to stop eating the eggs.

 

[Chickielady]

by the way, forgot to ask, what is the active ingredient in the "poultry protecter " ?
If it is what I think, pyrethrin, then yes, give them a squirt.
I have used some in a squirt bottle and just 'shot' them in the rear end as they ran by..kind of fun as long as you do not 'shoot' them with something that would hurt eyes or has harsh insecticides.
Then go build the dust box I mentioned.
Your birds will LOVE IT !

 

[easttxchick]

What a great idea Chickielady! I'm going to absolutely do this-I "shot" them with the poultry protector as best I could by myself(of course DH is on vacation this week

).
I will be gathering up the materials do this very thing tomorrow! Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Chickielady]

Glad to help.
It makes you feel good to know you are not using tons of insecticides, especially when you could eat it !
If I could figure out how to upload a pic of the dust box, I would.
I also have a cat pan 'spoon' on the wall next to the dust box as the hens can poo in it on occasion, or drag straw into it, so I sift it every so often.
Evey so often one of my hens will run across the yard leaving a trail of smoke

and look awfully funny, like suddenly I have 2 pink Buff Orps (all white from the dust

)
I have noticed since using a bit in their feed that their combs are much redder, they look wonderfully fit and healthy, too.
And they are happy, not picking and fretting at their skin.
Ah! Now we can all relax.
Just keep the box dry.

 

[easttxchick]

I liked your suggestion so much that I called my sister that raises some rare species up in Tennessee and told her she HAD to make one of these!
Do you think I could use one of those little plastic swimming pools as a "box"?

 

[horsechick]

That pool sounds like a great idea if your coop is big enough.
Too bad its not fall and they are on sale =]

 

[azoh10]

I'm pretty sure my one of my birds has feather mites(which means they all do, I'm sure).

My question is this:  Does anyone know anything about Scalex?  I have some and since I am having to treat almost 40 birds by myself, thought this might be easier than trying to dust them all(I am very concerned about ANY chemicals near my birds, but since I have to do something, trying to determine the lesser of 2 evils).

Any input would be very much appreciated.


ETA:  I also have some Poultry Protector which is supposed to be non-toxic and can be sprayed directly on my birds, but I really don't know if it is effective. /img/smilies/barnie.gif

Hi
I live in Ohio and none of the feed stores I called carry Scalex or Permethrin can you tell me where I can buy both.
Thank you.

 

[Folly's place]

Here in Michigan all the feed stores carry Poultry Dust, which is permethrin. Carbaryl works well too, but permethrin is actually approved for use in poultry. Remember to NOT breath any dust! Mary

 

[azoh10]

Here in Michigan all the feed stores carry Poultry Dust, which is permethrin. Carbaryl works well too, but permethrin is actually approved for use in poultry. Remember to NOT breath any dust! Mary

Thank you, do I have to buy a certain mask?
Mary