HELP! Lice or mites? Treatment?

[Chold05]

I have a 6 year old hen that starting laying down more than normal. I knew something was wrong and checked for all the obvious signs.... well today I discovered it. Her poor vent is inflamed and she has mites or lice- I'm not sure which one as this is my first time dealing with this.

Can anyone identify what these are and how do I treat?
Does the whole flock need treated?

Link to video of the creepy crawlies

 

[nuthatched]

Can you get sevin dust or permethrine poultry dust?

 

[Chold05]

Can you get sevin dust or permethrine poultry dust?

I have sevin dust... Im not sure about permethrine. I will look that up to see if its available near me.

Are those mites I'm seeing? How do I treat with the sevin dust?

 

[Bsmac]

I like the permethrin liquid. Mix it up put it in a spray bottle less mess and quick to apply works like a charm!

 

[Chold05]

I like the permethrin liquid. Mix it up put it in a spray bottle less mess and quick to apply works like a charm!

do I spray each bird? does the coop need sprayed? Are these mites?

 

[Bsmac]

I have a 6 year old hen that starting laying down more than normal. I knew something was wrong and checked for all the obvious signs.... well today I discovered it. Her poor vent is inflamed and she has mites or lice- I'm not sure which one as this is my first time dealing with this.

Can anyone identify what these are and how do I treat?
Does the whole flock need treated?

Link to video of the creepy crawlies

I would treat the whole flock and you very likely will need to clean the coop and spray all nooks and crannies for them too! I couldn`t tell if they were mites or lice but permethrin 10 will take care of either of those. That is what i`ve had to do in the past. Mix up permethrin 10 for use in a sprayer for the coop and a small bottle for the birds!

 

[Bsmac]

do I spray each bird? does the coop need sprayed?

Yes! To both! I would check them again after a few days and repeat if needed. Be sure to hit the coop everywhere there is a crack for them to hide! If you have a TSC near you they stock the permethrin liquid.

 

[Chold05]

@azygous i saw you mentioned you use elector PSP… I’m leaning toward this method since it’s 1 and done.

I only have 7 chickens. 1 of them has a decent infestation.

I ordered the PSP and it’ll be here tomorrow. In the meantime, I gave her a bum bath and pulled feathers with eggs, blow dried her before putting her back outside. I then sprayed my work area with alcohol because I had to bring her to my basement utility sink (where I also bathe my cat) I washed my clothes in hot water immediately.

After researching it sounds like I need to remove all bedding (burn it) and spray the coop as well as the chickens- dunking them in the solution being optimal.

My concern is….Im in SW Pa and it’s 50* during the day. Should I bring them into my garage and blow dry them after spraying them down? Should I be worried about them being in my house?

 

[alinas2010]

I believe those are northern fowl mites because they appear to be “building” houses out of dead skin near her vent. Here is more information:
https://poultrydvm.com/condition/northern-fowl-mites

I know they’re alarming to see, but very easy to treat

I like to use a permethrin poultry dust like this bc they are easy to use and you don’t have as large of a risk of “over” dousing your chickens with it. Also, don’t have to worry about cold/wet chickens:

With these powders, it’s really easy to fill a sock with and “Powder” your chicken. A good poof or two under each wing, behind her head - in the neck area, and on her bum/vent area really well should do the trick. Wear plastic gloves and get the powder down onto the skin. It’s easiest at bed time. Do each chicken. Do another powdering 5-7 days later. When I treated my flock, I treated one more time, 5-7 days after that, also. I recommend wearing a mask when you do this.

You will need to clean out and change all the bedding and nesting material and use a permethrin spray to douse the coop down. Get the crevices well.

 

[azygous]

You may be able to get away with dipping the chickens, patting them dry and then letting them air dry on a windless but sunny day as long as it's above freezing.