How often do you all dust your chickens for mites/lice?

[Judy]

Lots of people use pyrethrin dust as a preventative. Sprinkle it in the dust bathing areas. DE is also widely used this way, and wood ashes evidently also help, used this way. I do a lot more preventive dusting of the coop, litter and dust bath areas than I do actual dusting of the birds.

Actually, it isn't so much preventative, as it is controlling or managing. You aren't repelling them, you are keeping numbers manageable. They are going to be exposed to lice and mites; all it takes is a wild bird flying over.

 

[teddiliza]

I can't find poultry dust at my local feed store, but what about the Horse fly repellant that has permethrin in it. Can you use that? Or is it too strong? I don't think my chickens have any problems now, but you never know.....

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
What percentage is it? Or brand?

You can certainly use that on the wood. Some of the permethrin sprays can be used for poultry, too. So if you tell me which one, I'll find out if you can.

 

[HollyTree]

Thanks threehorses, good info!

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
You're very welcome!

 

[threehorses]

I'm glad the info is of use to you!

I was relieved to find it, and didn't realize there were so many useful forms of it until I went snooping around our feedstore one day (which happens to have a LOT of good stuff). It's nice to know there's an easier way of doing things than there used to be, particularly with mites as they're such a pain!

 

[buffy O's]

could you tell me if dusting sevin or the poultry dust effects the eggs? are they safe to eat?
thanks

 

[threehorses]

buffy O's :

could you tell me if dusting sevin or the poultry dust effects the eggs? are they safe to eat?
thanks

You can use the eggs.​

 

[crazycluck]

The poultry dust I use is called "Prozap" I get it at the feed store. It works really good.

 

[BarnYardHooligan]

I noticed a some of my chickens are losing a few feathers here and there. I'm not sure if it was the sticky heat, their molting phase or what. I'm going to look for some poultry dust and use that treatment. (to be on the safe side), just as a prevention. I haven't seen any bugs of any kind on them, yet.
?? My girls peck and scratch the ground quiet often, would the sevin dust make them sick if by chance they were to digest any?
?? Also, Do you dust only coop, laying boxes, run.. is that it, or can you dust the chickens as well or is that even recommended?
Thanks for all the help