Is Permethrin safe for chicks?

[Trish1974]

Can I dust a hen that has a week and a half old chick? Or would the fumes be overwhelming for the little one when it was snuggled underneath her?

 

[ShannonR]

It's safer than a heavy parasite load at this age. I have been forced to dust a few birds pretty young and all survived.

 

[DobieLover]

Can I dust a hen that has a week and a half old chick? Or would the fumes be overwhelming for the little one when it was snuggled underneath her?

Does mom have mites or lice?
If so, they will transfer to the chick if your don't and they could easily kill a small chick if it becomes infested.
I think I would prefer using a spray and spray around her vent and under each wing getting the skin wet. Do it when it is warm enough out that the chick doesn't need to be under mom. That will give her time to dry.