Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[micstrachan]

It's just that some of the allotment crew have feather mites and a couple of them have that frayed feather look.

Uh oh.

 

[Lady Red]

My girls are always on the computer. View attachment 2899619

You know about parental controls, right?

 

[micstrachan]

Ummmm… just popped in and did everyone see Phyllis in POW???

 

[Lexicon]

Ummmm… just popped in and did everyone see Phyllis in POW???

Yes, just saw it!! First @MaryJanet and Ivy and now @BY Bob and Phyllis. We are on a roll!

 

[featherhead007]

Ummmm… just popped in and did everyone see Phyllis in POW???

I just did! Yay, Phyllis (supermodel front page news)

 

[MaryJanet]

Ummmm… just popped in and did everyone see Phyllis in POW???

This is awesome!!!!

 

[bgmathteach]

Here are some pictures from this afternoon.
View attachment 2898531
Corona
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Frick
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The cochin girls who for the most part have finished their molts and look 100% better then when they first arrived.
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Bubba
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Blueberry
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And the little silkies
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OMG, the Cochins are just so fluuuuuffy. They look like they would make great feather-dusters...so....the coop shouldn't have cobwebs and dust. (Somehow I suspect they are slacking in their duties, though, My light Brahma do - slack, that is!!!!)

 

[BY Bob]

@BY Bob
I need a bit of advice Bob.
I have bought a product to combat mites and lice.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Net-Tex-Ready-Total-Liquid/dp/B003L6LUIQ/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=ivermectin+treatment+for+chickens&qid=1636490237&sr=8-15&th=1
It was only product I could find that is available in the UK that contains Permethrin.

(I have since found this which may be a better option next time.
https://www.purpleturtle.co.uk/permethrin-and-pyrethrin-fabric-spray/)

Net Tex also contains.
https://www.diy-pest-control.co.uk/tetramethrin/
and
https://b4brands.com/resources/ingredient-directory/benzalkonium-chloride/
As far as I can gather the carrier is an oil.

In Spain I used Permethrin direct to the chicken without ill effects.
Neither of the other chemicals is particularly toxic when not ingested.
Is there anything you know about the mixture of these chemicals that would make it unsuitable for applying spareingly direct to a chicken?

Let's start with Net Tex. It was really hard to find out what was in this. There are apparently no pictures of the back of the bottle listing the ingredients and concentrations. I did find the following list of chemicals. If you can post a picture of the ingredients that would help. Here are the active chemicals which I have identified. Bear in mind the instruction on the Net Tex website says do not spray directly on chickens. Here is what effect the ingredients can have.

benzalkonium chloride

• This compound has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It absorbs onto the cell wall and interrupts normal cell metabolism.
• Studies shows that in concentrations up to 5% in humans there is no skin irritation. At concentrations above 5% they can be a mild irritant. Bear in mind that this is present in cosmetics so if your hens are using eyeliner they are probably already being exposed to it. When used around the eye concentrations should not exceed 0.02%.

Alkyl polyglucosides

• Interestingly enough this is also used in the cosmetic industry, specifically as a cleanser in products like shampoo.
• It has been found to be non-toxic in concentrations up to 30%
• There have been some studies recently which show that humans can develop an allergic reaction to this chemical but it is very rare and is a mild rash.
• There is no oral toxicity as well

piperonyl butoxide

• This is one of 2 ingredients which are used in human lice shampoo (the other is pyrethrin)
• In high concentrations it can be a skin irritant

Paraffinic hydrocarbons

• This is essentially mineral oil
• It is widely used in the cosmetic industry
• There is no known toxicity

permethirin 0.23%

• Permethrin affects the nervous system in insects, causing muscle spasms, paralysis and death. Permethrin is more toxic to insects than it is to people and dogs. This is because insects can't break it down as quickly as people and dogs. Cats are more sensitive to permethrin than dogs or people because it takes their bodies a long time to break it down.
• Because of this Permethrin is highly toxic to bees and other beneficial insects as well as fish and aquatic invertebrates due to disruption of sodium channels
• It has almost no toxicity to birds.

Tetramethrin 0.023%

• This is really designed for the killing of flying insects, specifically bees. It is fast acting and knocks them out of the air.
• Sprays designed for use on pets are typically 0.063% so this is significantly below that level and should be safe.

None of these compounds should react with each other in any way that would harm a chicken. In fact several of them are often found in products with each other.

I would always advise that you utilize a test spot. Apply a little bit to a small patch of skin and see if there is any reaction over a day or two prior to applying to the entire chicken.

Do not however use an aerosol spray to apply. I saw that they offer this product in an aerosol spray. Aerosol sprays may include chemical propellents that can be dangerous to chickens.

Again their website says to not apply directly on the chicken. I know that you will use your best judgement when treating your new tribe. I hope this was helpful.

 

[bgmathteach]

River is sick again.

She had a swollen weepy eye this morning and kept trying to nap standing up. I took her to a different avian vet as an emergency and he is going to give her an injection of doxycycline weekly for 6-8 weeks. One ear was blocked and she’s got bad thrush again. She’s not eating and is looking miserable. I suspect I am going to have to syringe-feed her nutrients for a while and get Nilstatin into her. Poor girl.

As usual, I'm late to the party. I'm hoping as I catch up I read that she is doing better...but in the meantimefor both you and River.

 

[rural mouse]

Silver feather close ups (wyandotte) @BY Bob

She's getting some nice tail feathers in finally. The whole was decidedly scraggly 2 months ago

Not as many twisty ones either but still at least 1

Foot soak she tolerated, refused to eat any of the goodies I put in front of her, but was willing to eat when moved to the ground. Slight limp heading back to the coop in the blue yard light lit dark. Foot soak will happen again tomorrow, going to bring a few raisins (hasn't had unless in something) and part of a walnut for her.