- Thread starter
- #11,091
With all the birds I have, so far I don't see any parasites. But, if wild birds feast on your feed, It will expose your flock.Now that poultry fest is out of the way. (At least for this year.) I'm getting ready to start on my next project, but found out I have a potential problem.![]()
I was processing one of the extra roos, and he had mites pretty bad. I don't handle my birds a lot, so haven't noticed a problem before. I realize I don't know how to tell the difference between a chicken who is itching, and one who is just working on oiling up their feathers. So far I've checked 3 other roos and my broody pullet. One other roo had mites, the other two and the pullet didn't. So I think I may be early in the infestation.
So I started to do research and basically found that Everything kills mites and Nothing kills mites. Every product had it's cheerleaders and critics. So I'm turning to the group I trust. Who's had 'em and what worked for you? I'd especially like to hear from people here in Indiana, since I want to use whatever has seemed to work well locally. I've read back through this thread to find what I can, but I'm sure I missed things.
The project I'm starting is to work on breeding pens for next spring. I'm pouring over designs for coops and runs on here, and have seen some great ideas, but wanted to hear how others on here are liking their setups. These will be permanent structures. The laying flock ( and any breeders 'on a break') will use the mobile coop/pen setup. What I'd really like to hear is some 'Definitely do this... because it works so well for me'. and 'Definitely don't do this.....because I have found it is a pain in the butt' ideas. I"m aiming at the usual suspects. Strong security, good environment for the occupants, and ease of care for their owner/slave..
I had a cardinal that got caught in the netting, trying to come in to feed. Poor guy was terrified and I had to cut the netting to release him.
Wild birds will really cause problems, so I just watch close. I only feed in the coop run, but when they free range who knows?
Ivermectin pour on is a really good product, and can be used by drops to remove parasites from your flock. It supposedly does kill mites also.
Its labeled for cattle but I use it on my pug, all my birds. will post the dosage as soon as I can find it.
I recently ran across a better product Valbazen but have not tried it yet. It does take time to drop the meds on each bird, but better to be safe.
Quote:
Ohhh you got it bad.... hehehehe!![]()
No kidding, I still have a huge "want list" I could drop some real cash fast![]()
I really have to stop hatching, I want to get some fishing in before the season is over.
Quote:
Will remember that next time i reload some shells!![]()