How do I bathe my chickens to get rid of mites?

[333113]

To wash them for shows I use Johnson's no more tears baby shampoo. This will not prevent fleas or mites. You will want to use either a mite spray (most big-box pet stores carry mite spray for birds, follow the directions and don't get it in anyone's eyes, yours included). Permethrin and ivermectin-type drench (usually found at farm or feed stores) or spray are rated for farm animals and safe enough for humans, too, if you accidentally get some on you. Wash it off, anyway.

I know that some people use Sevin, but I don't consider it safe enough to use on animals. It's basically an insecticide.

 

[cmom]

If you want to bathe your birds, every over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for head lice contains either pyrethrins (Rid or Triple X) or permethrin (Nix). They are effective treatment. Both only kill live pests, not eggs. I bathe my birds before taking them to a show. I use three tubs of warm water. The first tub I use is for washing with the shampoo, the second tub of water I put a little vinegar to help get the soap/shampoo off, and the third tub of water is plain water for a final rinse.

To dry the birds after bathing, I fold a towel lengthwise and put the bird in it and roll it up like a burrito. This way I can concentrate on the feet, legs, comb and wattles.

 

[AceSierra]

If you want to bathe your birds, every over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for head lice contains either pyrethrins (Rid or Triple X) or permethrin (Nix). They are effective treatment. Both only kill live pests, not eggs. I bathe my birds before taking them to a show. I use three tubs of warm water. The first tub I use is for washing with the shampoo, the second tub of water I put a little vinegar to help get the soap/shampoo off, and the third tub of water is plain water for a final rinse.
View attachment 2203532View attachment 2203533
To dry the birds after bathing, I fold a towel lengthwise and put the bird in it and roll it up like a burrito. This way I can concentrate on the feet, legs, comb and wattles.View attachment 2203550View attachment 2203551

thank you so helpful. and the birds are fine after this so harmful effects. This will work on feather mites? I laughed so hard at the bird burrito lol. pretty hens

 

[Birdielee]

If you want to bathe your birds, every over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for head lice contains either pyrethrins (Rid or Triple X) or permethrin (Nix). They are effective treatment. Both only kill live pests, not eggs. I bathe my birds before taking them to a show. I use three tubs of warm water. The first tub I use is for washing with the shampoo, the second tub of water I put a little vinegar to help get the soap/shampoo off, and the third tub of water is plain water for a final rinse.
View attachment 2203532View attachment 2203533
To dry the birds after bathing, I fold a towel lengthwise and put the bird in it and roll it up like a burrito. This way I can concentrate on the feet, legs, comb and wattles.View attachment 2203550View attachment 2203551

The setup photos are very helpful, and the chicken burrito is hilarious!

 

[cmom]

thank you so helpful. and the birds are fine after this so harmful effects. This will work on feather mites? I laughed so hard at the bird burrito lol. pretty hens

The ingredients in the OTC lice shampoos are the same as the ones you can use in your coop and on the birds for lice and mites. These products have permethrin in them and are effective which are available at TSC. There is no egg withdrawal period but they do not kill the mite eggs so repeat treatments are necessary. Good luck...

 

[JacinLarkwell]

We use those big plastic totes you get at Wal-Mart and fill then with warm water. We put enough dawn in one to make bubbles on top and then grab a bird. Rinse off in than normal water and then move then to the soapy water. Use an old toothbrush or clippers to remove eggs. Once your confident they're as clean ad you can get them, rinse them again in the non soapy water. Then I just let them go back to free ranging. Do this on a hot fay. It helps them dry fadter, not get as chilled and the water stays warmer longer. Don't let their heads go underwater. Chickens don't know to hold their breath and they can't swim (though some of the teeny bantams have floated in my experience but don't risk it). They will probably flap and squawk and try to get away since it's a pool of water and they know it's dangerous

 

[cmom]

Surprisingly, when I bathe my birds prior to a show most are quite calm in the water and those that aren't usually calm down some.

 

[AceSierra]

The ingredients in the OTC lice shampoos are the same as the ones you can use in your coop and on the birds for lice and mites. These products have permethrin in them and are effective which are available at TSC. There is no egg withdrawal period but they do not kill the mite eggs so repeat treatments are necessary. Good luck...
View attachment 2204963View attachment 2204964View attachment 2204965

thank you I think I'll try it out lol

 

[AceSierra]

We use those big plastic totes you get at Wal-Mart and fill then with warm water. We put enough dawn in one to make bubbles on top and then grab a bird. Rinse off in than normal water and then move then to the soapy water. Use an old toothbrush or clippers to remove eggs. Once your confident they're as clean ad you can get them, rinse them again in the non soapy water. Then I just let them go back to free ranging. Do this on a hot fay. It helps them dry fadter, not get as chilled and the water stays warmer longer. Don't let their heads go underwater. Chickens don't know to hold their breath and they can't swim (though some of the teeny bantams have floated in my experience but don't risk it). They will probably flap and squawk and try to get away since it's a pool of water and they know it's dangerous

does the dawn kill the mites I cant see any visible mite eggs thougj

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I'm not 100% if it kills them, it's more to clean the bird while the mites drown