Feather mites--how long until the tail feathers recover?

[Henriettamom919]

Just out of curiosity do you mean poultry mites (visible on skin/quill if bird) or actual feather mites (live INSIDE the quill only coming out to feed on feather fibers, leaves "notches" that look "chewed" at tips of feathers)? I only ask because quill mite infestation won't respond to typical mite/lice powders or sprays.

 

[Henriettamom919]

This was posted not long ago and my girls actually ended up with them. It takes takes a topical, skin administered, medication that circulates into the feather itself. They're not very common but a bit harder to treat. About half way down the first page are pictures.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...f-notches-missing-from-tail-feathers.1311671/

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Just out of curiosity do you mean poultry mites (visible on skin/quill if bird) or actual feather mites (live INSIDE the quill only coming out to feed on feather fibers, leaves "notches" that look "chewed" at tips of feathers)? I only ask because quill mite infestation won't respond to typical mite/lice powders or sprays.

I believe what was getting her was feather mites or quill mites due to her feathers looking all chewed up on the ends. I have a kinda decent picture here...you can see how the ends of her feathers are chewed up and ragged.

 

[Henriettamom919]

Yup, that's feather mites! And the Elector (sp?) treats those? I can't remember the brand name of what I used but ivermectin instead of permethrin.

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

I heard that it did. But I've been wondering if they were gone or not. Don't know how to tell. Seems like the feathers will stay looking chewed up for a while or until she molts. Did you look at the photo I posted earlier of her oil gland? Wonder if that's a sign of anything too?

 

[Henriettamom919]

Finally was able to get a photo!! Hooray. See it below. Is this normal? I could not get any oil to come out either.View attachment 1827521

Also, my americauna hen Floki, who had the mites and is doing better (the one we are discussing) and is only a year old, has stopped laying eggs for about a week... My other older gal who is almost 4 has too. They are both eating well and otherwise seem super healthy. Wonder if there is something more going on here. Perhaps the picture of Floki's oil gland will shed some light.

Any help or comments much appreciated!!

I just saw this. It looks impacted and its such a big part of grooming that it could totally affect laying, in my opinion. Have you tried soaking it with a rag steeped in warm, Epsom salt water? What happens when you press on it, does it express anything?

If Epsom salt does nothing for the inflammation I'd invest (I know, you've already spent a bundle) on Vetricyn poultry wound spray. Vetricyn in general is a pretty great all purpose spray for wounds, infections and skin care.

The beauty in your avatar is adorable, by the way

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Oh dang. And thank you for the kind words. So I do have Vetricyn. And I have soaked her and massaged it. But perhaps I need to do it regularly each night for a while? And where did you purchase the ivermectin and how much did you use? DO you think I need to treat everyone?

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Oh dang. And thank you for the kind words. So I do have Vetricyn. And I have soaked her and massaged it. But perhaps I need to do it regularly each night for a while? And where did you purchase the ivermectin and how much did you use? DO you think I need to treat everyone?

And that's my girl Floki in the photo. She's the best Glad you find the avatar as beautiful as me

 

[Henriettamom919]

Oh dang. And thank you for the kind words. So I do have Vetricyn. And I have soaked her and massaged it. But perhaps I need to do it regularly each night for a while? And where did you purchase the ivermectin and how much did you use? DO you think I need to treat everyone?

I think soaking in Epsom salt followed by gentle massage then dry and apply Vetricyn. It will probably take several days, maybe up to a week, to completely empty.

As for the quill mite med, a farmer friend came over with it and helped me ( I only had three girls back then) but I found this thread on dosing. Let me see about where to buy (it might be Rx only )

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/dosage-for-ivermectin.96338/

After reading up, though, many standard mite treatments are approved for quill mites,including permethrin spray? I'm thinking you might just need to retreat a couple of times but let me look a little deeper.

 

[Henriettamom919]

So it is available online and we used a paste, not a liquid. She helped me tuck it onto the back of their necks but I've read that a large (1 - 2 inch strip) can be melted in hot water and added to water supply.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1GPOA8/?tag=backy-20

ETA- I wouldn't change from the Elector until some time has passed, anyway. Give that Some time to work since quill mites live inside the shaft it's going to take a bit for the medication to make its way in there and will probably need to be repeated given how their lifecycle occurs.