Help! Strange bugs on my new coop!

[AmandaandIsmo]

They look like thrips (not a parasite but can do damage to plants). Your chicks will probably dine heartily on them!

I think you’re right!!! The pic my husband took and the photo I found on google look identical... now where the heck did they come from in such a large swarm? And what could they have been feeding on on the outside of the coop, I wonder??? Thank you so very much!!!!

 

[AmandaandIsmo]

They were likely thrips and had just hatched.

Do keep an eye on the chickens for mites though.

I will for sure ... thank you so much! I will look for preventative measures to treat all of them. I’ve been reading some great suggestions on this site.

 

[aart]

will look for preventative measures to treat all of them.

There are really no preventative measures, except to keep wild birds out of your run and coop.
Forget DE, and herbs and spices.
Do get some permethrin to have on hand.

Examine your birds regularly.

Bug Blurb:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

Lice have a very obsession with cycen VENTS.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

herbs and spices.

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

Just eat those Things, or feed them away. Science is the best Answer.