Fleas? Mites? Help!

[MissNutmeg]

I noticed a rooster acting lathargic so I took him in the garage. I patted his head and gave him some water, then I noticed it. He was completly covered in black little crawly things, crawling everywhere, on his legs, in his tailfeathers and even some were making their way up my arms. ew ew ew! What do I treat him with? Apple cider viniger?

Advice appreciated!!



~Meg

 

[casportpony]

I noticed a rooster acting lathargic so I took him in the garage. I patted his head and gave him some water, then I noticed it. He was completly covered in black little crawly things, crawling everywhere, on his legs, in his tailfeathers and even some were making their way up my arms. ew ew ew! What do I treat him with? Apple cider viniger?

Advice appreciated!!



~Meg

Get to Tractor Supply and get some permethrin poultry dust and spray ASAP! Dust him and spray the coop and the other birds if they don't look sick. Do not spray him because he might be too sick to survive getting wet.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Sorry but apple cider vinegar doesn't treat parasites.
Bring out the big guns.
They are likely Northern Fowl mites.
Where is Naboo?
Some of the recommendations are ivermectrin, permethrin and 5% Sevin dust.
You'll need to treat the bird again in a week since treatment won't kill the eggs.
You'll also need to completely clean out the building and treat it with permethrin plus treat all the birds in the building - twice.
ETA
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/2947/northern-fowl-mite-management/
If in doubt, follow @casportpony instructions. I don't treat as often as she.

 

[MissNutmeg]

Sorry but apple cider vinegar doesn't treat parasites.
Bring out the big guns.
They are likely Northern Fowl mites.
Where is Naboo?
Some of the recommendations are ivermectrin, permethrin and 5% Sevin dust.
You'll need to treat the bird again in a week since treatment won't kill the eggs.
You'll also need to completely clean out the building and treat it with permethrin plus treat all the birds in the building - twice.
ETA
If in doubt, follow @casporpony instructions. I don't treat as often as she.

Naboo is nowhere, its made up.

Is there anything natural I could use at home?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Naboo is nowhere, its made up.

Is there anything natural I could use at home?

Not once you have a severe infestation. Permethrin is pretty natural.
I added a link from the Poultrysite about fowl mites.
If you put your actual location in your profile, it will help others answer your questions with greater accuracy since climate and geography make a big difference in management.

 

[casportpony]

Is there anything natural I could use at home?

No, he needs to be treated ASAP or he might die.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I found this 'natural' control information for you. However, I wouldn't trust it.
https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/bird-mites/
As she says, she has ongoing problems with her labor intensive techniques.
I know people that refuse to use chemical treatments of any kind - whether that be mites/lice on chickens or fleas on dogs and cats. What they end up with is ongoing extended infestations and in the meantime, their animals suffer needlessly.
I use DE to dust floors, nest boxes, nooks and crannies. That is strictly for prevention. Once an infestation occurs, don't screw around.

 

[MissNutmeg]

right, so if I am going to quarantine him how will I keep the mites (or whatever they are) from infesting the garage, or even me?

 

[janz70]

you could use DE diatomaceous earth but permethin will do the trick and is redily available (AKA ant powder).

Treating him is no good long term though, you need to treat all your chickens, empty out the coop of all bedding nest material (burn it) and liberally dose the coop everywhere.
As stated you need to break the life cycle so do it all again in 4 or 5 days

 

[casportpony]

right, so if I am going to quarantine him how will I keep the mites (or whatever they are) from infesting the garage, or even me?

Is he in the garage yet? If not, treat him outside, wait 30 minutes, then bring him inside your garage. hopefully all the mites will be dead or dying.