How do YOU prevent mites?

jentralala

Chirping
5 Years
May 1, 2014
92
17
51
I'm curious as to what measures people take to prevent their chickens from becoming infested with mites. Whether it be additives in the food, water, dust bath areas, around the coop, etc., what measures do you have in place to stop mites in their tracks?

I'm working on building my coop and everything is being covered in a thick coat of paint, and any large cracks get filled with caulk. My chickens have garlic and ACV (with the mother) added to their water. I'm thinking about giving them a handful of wood ashes to dust bathe in when the go outside.

I don't know how effective it will be, but the perimeter of my coop (and in hanging baskets) will be planted with marigolds, mint, rosemary, and basil. It may not be effective, I don't know, but it sure will look pretty!

The chickens will also get a weekly spritz of Manna Pro Poultry Protector. I'll also spritz the roost bars with it. I plan to clean monthly with a DIY white vinegar/cinnamon/orange peel/lemon peel mixture.

So what do YOU do?
 
I don't do nearly as much as you do to prevent mites.
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But here's what I do:

  • I clean out the coop every couple months (its pretty large, with not too many chickens in it)
  • The chickens get to go out side and dust bathe every day
  • I check all the birds every week or so
  • Every month of two, I put Frontline on the birds (they are just little show bantams, so I don't eat the eggs)
  • If I notice any mites, despite the Frontline, I dust them with Sevin dust and repeat that in seven days.
 

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