HELP!! Broody hen only 4 days left til Hatch day

[ebinion]

I hope someone can help me. I have a broody hen only 4 days left to hatch and her eyes are crusty and stuck shut. I got her out and used warm water to open them and I saw little white bugs on her head not sure what they are probably mites. can I treat her for mites with her about to hatch her babies. she is in a small coop by herself can I move the eggs and change the bedding and spray for mites without hurting the chicks.. PLease help


thanks

 

[sumi]

The sooner you tackle the mites the better and ideally you should get the hen treated and the nest box cleaned out and dusted before the chicks start hatching. A mite infestation can kill chicks. Remove the hen from the box first and dust her thoroughly, then remove the eggs and quickly dust the box before putting new bedding and the eggs back in. Good luck!