I used too much DE in the coop and one of my hens is breathing badly

[serama24]

I realised I had a red mite problem last night but It was dark already so I just sprinkled some (food grade) diatomaceous earth in with them whilst they were in the coop, (admittedly it was quite a lot). I've come home from work and found that one of my hens is very poorly, collapsed and breathing very heavily. Looking at her skin it is absolutely crawling with mites, I feel so guilty. I don't think she is going to make it through the night but I'm not sure if there's anything I can do. She's about 8 years old.

She's been moved out of the coop (which I cleaned for the other hens who seem to be doing ok).. and I've put her in a box with some blankets. I did put more DE on her skin where there were loads of mites because I didn't know what else to do, I was careful not to get any near her face. She keeps her eyes closed and is breathing fast and heavily, I've tried offering her water but she acts like it's not there. I'm so upset and I feel terrible, for not noticing the mites sooner and for using too much DE.

If she survives the night, can a vet do something for her?


edit- What's the best thing I can do for my other hens in the morning? I've never had red mite this bad before... It's been really hot and dry the past couple of weeks in the UK. I was going to dust them individually with DE in the morning, (with them being out in the fresh air this time) and thoroughly clean the coop. I'm scared to use more DE in the coop though. I'm so, so angry at myself.

Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

It might be the DE, but it might be the mites causing your hen to collapse.
I would use a permethrin spray and soak the hens to get rid of those mites. Clean the coop and spray every crack and crevice.

 

[dawg53]

Mites suck blood, cause anemia, then death. Red mites also infect chickens with spirochetes in their blood. That's what's happening to your hen.

Remove all bedding from your coop, including nests and burn it. Then follow the directions what Soon2BchixMom stated.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Seriously don't think/feel it's the DE, it's the mites and her age. Do as recommended by Soon2BchixMom & dawg53 ASAP.

 

[arrowti]

DE doesn't kill mites, so definitely get the permethrin or another insecticide recommended for mite control in chickens. DE is good at controlling flies and minimizing other insect populations in the coop, so it's good to mix in the bedding and in their dust bathing areas following treatment and cleaning.

If she has as many mites on her as you say, she's likely collapsing and weak because of blood loss. DE (food grade) likely isn't strong enough to cause breathing issues, and I say that as someone who is atypically sensitive to breathable 'dusts'. Hopefully you can get her treated soon!

Permethrin works fast, by the way, and you can practically watch the mites die as soon as you use it.

 

[serama24]

Thank you for all the replies and advice. I've just checked on her and she's still alive but not any better.

It might be the DE, but it might be the mites causing your hen to collapse.
I would use a permethrin spray and soak the hens to get rid of those mites. Clean the coop and spray every crack and crevice.

I've found this product which contains 2.3% Permethrin, will this work? It's especially for chickens and I've seen this brand in my local petshop so I can pick some up first thing in the morning.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Net-Tex-Ready-Total-Liquid/dp/B003L6LUIQ

I'm not sure whether you mean to soak the hens in water with this liquid added, or if you mean to just use permethrin to clean the coop and soak them with something else? Please explain, thank you so much!

It's 5 in the morning where I am so I will go and buy it as soon as the shops are open.

Red mites also infect chickens with spirochetes in their blood. That's what's happening to your hen.

Is this treatable? Would it be silly and pointless taking her to a vets? If not, would you recommend using the permethrin and then going to a vets? Thank you for your help.

 

[serama24]

Permethrin works fast, by the way, and you can practically watch the mites die as soon as you use it.

Thank you for your reply! Do you know whether a 2.3% permethrin product would work and do you mean to bathe birds in water with the product added? Will this kill the mites? Thanks again,

 

[Kfults]

I have read to spray them directly with it or put concentrated into bath water and bath them. Then coup. I have never had to use personally- but I bought the concentrated type that I can mix with water in spray bottle and spray them if and when the need arises

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Spray directly on bird following directions on the bottle since you are UK and I'm not sure what you've actually got.

Pay close attention to the vent, under wings, work to skin.

And ditto everything else.

I'm sorry, but DE is wishful thinking to external parasites for poultry. Many of us here on BYC have tried it and seen it fail miserably.

Use the permethrin asap. Give her some electrolytes to help her hold on until the beasties are gone.

LofMc

 

[Robert G]

I recently had to treat my large coop. I was picking up eggs from their nesting boxes when I noticed the mites crawling all over the eggs and my poor broody also had them on her. I sprayed permethrin 10 all over the coop, and used poultry dust on the ground where they bathe, and sprayed the broody hen with poultry protector. They died pretty quick. I'm going to spray the permethrin again in 2 weeks. Then just make it a habit every other month.