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.
Patrick,
Go to
TSC or Menards or any place that sells garden chemicals and buy the 3-pack of Sevin Dust. You might need several. Don't get the granules. Granules won't work for this, but they will work for the chicken yard and coop floor for keeping pest free once the dust has done it's work.
You will need to bribe Wade to help you. Since he is not "into chickens", it will have to be a worthwhile bribe.
Catch each bird in turn and dust it down, top, bottom, under wings, neck, legs. Rub it in with your hands until the little bugger looks like a powder puff. When you release him, he will shake off the excess. The shake off will dust the floor and surrounding air. This is the best method. I did this with my dog when she was a 7-week old pup when I found she was infested with fleas. Didn't kill her. Did kill the fleas. Fleas are much harder to kill than mites.
A less hands on approach is to get them grouped in an enclosed space, put on a dust mask, and sprinkle liberally all over the birds, floor, roosts, walls, perches. Everywhere you think a mite might be lurking. Also out in the chicken yard, especially in the dust bath depressions that they have made. Don't let the birds out until they have had ample time to transfer the dust all over themselves. My ducks and guineas are hard to get close to, so I dump some dust in my hand and throw it at the uncooperative buggers. When your critters have white backs, you are done.
Sprinkle some on your shoes and legs. Otherwise you may end up with crotch visitors. Ask me how I know. Well, maybe don't ask. Chicken is not the only thing on their menu.
You may have to repeat the operation until you don't find any more signs of infestation.
Luck, John
P.S. Wade; make him pay dearly.
Our first two eggs are double yolkers! Same hen. These are her first eggs too! lol
Here are the youngsters:
):
