Help with mite infestation and future prevention

[Lizard Lady]

We had the worst mite infestation I've ever seen this year.

If you even stepped into the coop you ended up covered. They got in the food, the straw (obviously) literally every inch of the place. I pulled everything out, burned the food and straw and am now in the process of debugging the place. Here's the question - Is there a way to prevent this in the future? I've read where some people used stick tiles in their coops for easier cleaning and just put straw on top, doubling it for the winter. Would that help keep them out, or is this just something I'll be battling every year?

I was also told to get some ash, diatomaceous earth, and seven dust and let the chickens dust themselves in it...will that work?

Any and all advice is welcome and needed. Thanks, y'all!

 

[Angiebubs]

Have you treated the chickens themselves? I have heard many times that straw is difficult to use when trying to prevent/get rid of mites as the hollow shaft is a perfect place for them to hide. I keep a large tub (Small plastic horse water trough) inside the coop with dirt and DE all year round. They also have areas outside to dig in the dirt/dust to bathe. I recently had some signs of mites and treated them with Eprinex (which can also be used for worming) its a topical medicine and is used twice 2 weeks apart.

 

[7isheaven43]

Will DE work for mites? We're having issues with them as well. Our 1st year dealing with them. I have DE and if it will work how do I go about using it?

 

[Angiebubs]

My opinion, if you are seeing them then you probably have a large load and DE alone will probably not get rid of them. However, DE can be added to a dust bath (once wet, DE loses its effectiveness so make sure it stays dry). You can also use it to liberally apply to the chicken itself avoiding their eyes. There are many ways to apply it-Some people put it in an old sock and powder the bird with this, others put it into a pillowcase, put the chicken up to its neck in the pillowcase and shake it ont hem. Myself: I add to the dus tbath, nest boxes, roosts, and floor. If I see mites, I treat with medication (as much as i try to stay away from chemicals, I know how fast mites can get out of control)

 

[aart]

Have you treated the chickens themselves? I have heard many times that straw is difficult to use when trying to prevent/get rid of mites as the hollow shaft is a perfect place for them to hide. I keep a large tub (Small plastic horse water trough) inside the coop with dirt and DE all year round. They also have areas outside to dig in the dirt/dust to bathe. I recently had some signs of mites and treated them with Eprinex (which can also be used for worming) its a topical medicine and is used twice 2 weeks apart.

How much of this and how do you apply...... egg/meat withdrawal?

I see its for adult cattle only, with dire warning for dogs and other animals?

 

[Angiebubs]

If you search on ECF you can find more information on using this for poultry, as well as dosage. I stick with about 5-7 drops on large sizes and 3-5 drops on bantys again all depends on size and weight. No egg withdrawl.

 

[ameeks]

I'm so upset over this same thing right now. I'm new to chickens, only had them since January, but I've been reading and researching and really thrown myself into raising and taking the best care I thought possible could of my birds. Today my DH's uncle's friend offered to give me his 2 1 year old Barred Rock hens. He's only had them about 3 weeks so I figured he found out chickens aren't his thing. Well, when I saw the birds I found out why. I noticed one had red spots and lots of feathers missing above her tail. Having read that molts start at the rear I just assumed that's what was going on. I posted a couple pics somewhere else and someone mentioned mites but I had looked her over closely, I thought and didn't notice anything moving. I happened to get some mite and lice dust at the feed store today since I had to get fly spray for the horses anyway. Well, here I am at 10 pm barging into the co-op disturbing everyone's sleep to take the new girls out and inspect closely with flashlight. And what do I find? Mites! And tons of them! I started powdering them, get the dog crate I use for injured birds and put them in there. Then, I go back to check the other 19 birds I already have. I found a few on some of them, but not too bad so I dusted everyone, the roosts and the floor. Luckily I did a deep clean on the coop today, I guess my subconscious is smarter than I am. My 2 ducks were taking a late night swim so I gathered them up, she was fine. But my drake, oh my! Covered in LICE! I feel so bad for being so ignorant. I just hope I can get ahead of it. Do I need to treat my entire run? I'm going to change the shavings in the coop and burn every day until I don't see and bugs. I'm curious what treatments have worked or not worked for anyone. Here I was thinking it's a good thing that guy gave me his birds if he couldn't take better care than to leave them in a tiny dog kennel all day, and mine are running around a 2000 sq ft run but have the same problem! Guess it was a blessing for me, his birds and my birds that they came to live with us. In a few days mine would be in the same condition as these 2 poor babies.

 

[aart]

Quote:

If you search on ECF you can find more information on using this for poultry, as well as dosage. I stick with about 5-7 drops on large sizes and 3-5 drops on bantys again all depends on size and weight. No egg withdrawl.

What is ECF...could you provide a link?

This is what I found at the bottom of this page:
"IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: No meat or milk withdrawal is required when used according to label.
Do not use in calves intended for veal or unapproved animal species as severe adverse reaction, including fatalities in dogs, may result.

EPRINEX and the Cattle Head Logo are registered trademarks of Merial.

2014 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. RUMIEEP1103 (01/14)"

 

[Angiebubs]

My apologies I meant searching here on BYC (Back Yard Chickens). There are very few medications that have been tested on poultry due to cost involved. TO protect themselves, most commons will have a warning against using medication off label. However, as I mentioned, you cam search here on BYC and you will see that people having been using this for years with no adverse side effects.