How do you dust your chickens?

[jadeflower999]

I am going to dust my hens for mites for the first time and was wondering how you all go about doing that? I've read to put the poultry dust in a garbage bag then put the hen in with her head sticking out and kind of shake it around. Any other ideas?
Thanks everyone! I was just curious

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

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I think putting them in a trash bag is a little exessive..Probly scare to poop out of your bird..I used an old salt shaker and lifted the feathers paying close attention to vent and under the wings..Try to rub it in so it gets to the skin.You want to cover as much of the bird as possible..I had lice once so I dust anything I bring home before it hits quarintine.. I also sprinkle DE on everything in the coop..Hope this helps..

 

[Angelbear]

Although my hens free range during the day, they do have an enclosed run with coop attached. In the run is a dust bath tray, I put dusting powder into the dry dirt I have in the tray. i think they do a better job of it than I ever could, so far it seems to be working really well. In the summer, they made their own dusting holes, I even added powder in there during dry weather.

I also use DE in the run and coop.

 

[BorderKelpie]

The wildlife rehabber out here showed me an easy way, similar to the salt shaker but with a parmesan (sp?) cheese shaker. Just be vary careful around eyes/face.

 

[Opa]

My first responce to your question would have to be with a "feather duster".

 

[Freckle Face Farm]

Quote:

 

[BorderKelpie]

HaHa! Feather duster - you're brilliant!

I love sarcasm.

 

[jadeflower999]

Thanks everyone I'll try the salt shaker method and put some in their dirt tray I have in their coop so they can dust themselves. I thought the garbage bag thing sounded like a form of torture for them they would have had a fit!

 

[PunkinPeep]

I wore my work gloves. I put a little from the shaker it came in in my gloved hands and then handled the bird all over, making especially sure to get some under their wings really well and on feathers around the vent. This worked really well for me, and i was sure i was getting it all over. And it was quick.