Has anyone made a cone of shame for their ducks or chickens? Depluming mites

[Weeg]

I have read the studies for sulfur and depluming mites. I don't know of a cone, but maybe make one with a pool noodle. I'd just be worried they could get it caught somewhere.
I'm not sure the others understand, but depluming mites aren't the same as regular mites and treatment is different. Depluming mites are in the feather shaft and they literally eat away at the feather. You won't see them by eye. What you can see is the feathers deteriorating.

Oh, thats interesting. I guess Permethrin wouldn't make much of a difference then.
I still don't advice you duck them or get them wet, but if Ivermectin works, use that. I've seen it being suggested in other threads for poultry, and think that is your better option.

 

[cmom]

I had a mite issue a few years ago. I thought my birds were molting but when they weren't getting their feathers back in I discovered they were covered with mites. I used permethrin. It does not kill the mite eggs so 3 or 4 weekly treatments are needed. You can get the concentrate or premixed spray at most feed stores. It worked for me. I also use poultry dust in the nest boxes. Good luck...

 

[cmom]

With permethrin there is NO egg withdrawal period as there is with other products and it is approved for poultry and works.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Oh, thats interesting. I guess Permethrin wouldn't make much of a difference then.
I still don't advice you duck them or get them wet, but if Ivermectin works, use that. I've seen it being suggested in other threads for poultry, and think that is your better option.

The thing is, ducks get wet all of the time since you have to provide them with water deep enough to dip their whole head in. A duck is never fully dry. If there was a respiratory issue, I would agree with not dipping them in a wet solution, but since the OP didn't say that, a dip is fine.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Here is a BYC post regarding sulphur: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...you-are-experiencing-this-please-read.830897/

Treating depluming mite: https://zenodo.org/record/2178293/files/article.pdf

Using ivermectin for depluming mites:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/depluming-mites-and-elector-psp-help.1456762/

The difference between regular mites and depluming is that they burrow into the feather shaft - like human scabies and need more than just permethrin to treat.
In the past, I have added powdered sulphur to my dust baths for chickens just for an extra prevention. I've not treated ducks for depluming mites, but have used ivermectin. While there is an egg withdrawal and you shouldn't feed the eggs back, some do eat the eggs. You can find posts here on BYC regarding that.
If your ducks have a respiratory issue or you are afraid they would ingest the sulfur, then I would go the ivermectin route. As well, if you are dipping them, I would make sure that they could not drink the sulphur mixture. As a side note, I just looked up the sulfur lime, it looks like it's a premade product. Although it is useful on some animals, not sure about chickens, so definitely use with caution.

I think when I read about dipping the chickens in a sulphur bath, you used warm water, a few drops of soap, and the sulphur. Keep their head from getting in the water, let them soak, and then let them dry off - this would be done on a warm day. Of course chickens don't like to preen while they are wet, but we know ducks do! Maybe another solution would be to dry them with a hair dryer on low if you go the dipping route.
Whatever you choose to do - good luck!