How do I know what kind of pest I have?

[KBGB]

Help! Monday my Orpington was acting super odd, Roosting all day in the run, not pecking and scratching like normal. Yesterday one of My Bantam Cochin's was crying and screaming all day. I couldn't figure out what was going on. This morning I went to clean out the coop which we just cleaned on Saturday and I noticed thousands of small black bugs. They look like fleas to me but they weren't jumping. Just scrambling around. I notice that my girls are also itching a lot but I thought it was just preening. Now I realize that is not what it is. How do I know what I am dealing with? None of the pictures I have seen on here look like what I found in the coop this morning.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I had this happen once. I never identified them, so I can't help there. However I got rid of them by spreading permethrin dust.

Clean and sprinkle liberally.

LofMc

 

[aart]

Tons of insects, they may disappear within days.
If you really want an ID, maybe get one onto a piece of clear tape, then take pics.

 

[Chicalina]

Household flea spray will kill any insects. Use it in the coop and air it fully after. Then use dog or cat flea spray on the birds themselves.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Household flea spray will kill any insects. Use it in the coop and air it fully after. Then use dog or cat flea spray on the birds themselves.

Only if it is permethrin or sevin (carbaryl) based. Otherwise, read the label. It could be toxic to birds.

 

[Chicalina]

Sevin is toxic and has been banned in many countries.

Most ordinary flea sprays contain pyrethrin or permethrin which are both fine.

As with any spray or dust, apply to under the feathers, keep away from the bird's face so it doesn't go in their eyes or get breathed in. I prefer spray to dust.

And air the coop after treating so it's not inhaled.

 

[KBGB]

We emptied the coop and run entirely. Sprayed everything including the birds with Poultry protector that we got at TSC. We put down a generous amount of First Saturday Lime along with some DE. So far no more bugs. Hopefully that works.