I just built a chicken coop...should I spray for mites before chickens

[thebreakfastclub]

My husbnd just finished building our 8x8 chicken coop and after reading about chickens getting mites, fleas ect. I was wondering if I need to take precautions and dust with diatomaceous earth (DE), or Sevin before I even put chickens in the coop for the first time. We get the baby chicks in 3 days and I know they can't go outside for a month or so. Just want to make sure I am doing all this stuff right the firs time. Thanks, Tammy

 

[jbowyer01]

First make sure the DE that your using is food grade. I added the DE to my pine shavings so you can added it along with that just as a precaution.

 

[thebreakfastclub]

Oh yes I did read that you need food grade DE..but my question is should I sprinkle it all over the inside of the coop, nesting boxes and run before chickens have ever been in there or do you just wait until there is a problem ( God forbid). Also, if you keep the coop and run clean how common are mites?

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
It's not necessary to dust the coop unless wild birds go in it, or an infested chicken. But, it's up to you.

 

[thebreakfastclub]

Thanks for the advice. I have a feeling I am going to be on here alot!!!!

 

[DickGJ]

Before I introduced my chicks to their new coop, I just applied liberal amounts of Food Grade DE around the perimeter of the coop. I didn't think I needed to worry about it inside the coop yet. After 2-weeks, I applied the FG/DE to the floor of the coop and nesting boxes while the chickens were out in their run. I pretty much make that a regular thing now on a once monthly basis. I also, put DE throughout the run and apply liberally to the dust-bathing areas that they routinely use. It seems to be working very well for me! Remember that DE is slow acting in the way it works on insects so I feel it's important to stay on top of the situation early. If I notice an outbreak or something (which I haven't yet), then I'll be treating with a dose of Sevin or something that works more quickly. DE even seems to knock down bad odor inside the coop since it's so absorbant.

 

[CMV]

When I built all my coops I rented a paint sprayer and coated the whole inside of each coop with paint. I can't tell you how much work that has saved me in the long run. Bugs are kind of an issue around here, so with having the whole interior of the coops painted they have no place to hide. WIN!