I have mites.... Help!!!

[meekasmom]

I have always dusted my chickens with Sevin powder for mites. It works and doesn't hurt the chickens.

 

[alexisrambles]

The last thing that a sick/ anemic bird with lots of mites needs is the extra stress of an unnecessary bath! It's easiest to spray them at night, with a small flashlight, while they are roosting. Wear protective clothing and especially that N95 face mask!
Powder works too, and is messier and more expensive.
Pyrethrin is the 'organic' alternative.
Do read labels on products, and pick those rated for chickens! Lots of products for pets and horses have ingredients not meant for your chickens.
Mary

Good point, and I'd love to do it at night but the tractor they're in isnt easy to access at night.

 

[Kiki]

I have always dusted my chickens with Sevin powder for mites. It works and doesn't hurt the chickens.

It works but some people don't like to use products that have been banned for use on poultry.

 

[alexisrambles]

So I did a closer inspection and it seems like the mites are only on a few birds so far. I caught it early thank God. The only sign on most is that they're itchier than normal.

So I went to the store and bought ALL the recommendations I've had. I ended up going with a premixed spray because the concentrate had a lot of warnings on it about skin contact and calling poison control.

It made me too nervous honestly.

So this is what I went with. It's rated for use on poultry and the coop.

Spraying the chickens in the day time was honestly hellish and stressful for me and my grandfather. I had to catch 16 chickens and spray them when their coop is a tractor so low I couldn't crawl into it.

Took about 3 hours to catch and spray the chickens, then move the coop in case the little bloodsuckers were in the ground.

The great news is the chickens don't seem to be itchy at all anymore. Before they'd preen their wings a bit viciously. Makes sense with tiny biting insects. Instant improvement. I'll say though.... Next time I'm doing this at night regardless of whether I can see the coop easily or not. Can't be any harder than this!

 

[Folly's place]

I use a little flashlight, and the headlamp type is the best!
Mary

 

[alexisrambles]

I use a little flashlight, and the headlamp type is the best!
Mary

Oooh hadn't thought about a headlamp! Good call!

 

[Rietta]

has anyone had experience with the expensive elector psp? Its spinosad, I have it but have not had to use it (thank goodness)

 

[Molpet]

has anyone had experience with the expensive elector psp? Its spinosad, I have it but have not had to use it (thank goodness)

@FlyingNunFarm I think has and swears by it

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Yep! One and done. Stuff is expensive but with how much you get you can treat hundreds of birds.

My one warning is the smell. Kinda like rotten potatoes. Doesn’t stick around after you use it but was a surprise when I opened the bottle. LOL

 

[cmom]

I use a head lamp so my hands are free and I don't have to worry where to put the flashlight. All of my coops have nightlights.