Itchy Chicks

[Love My Chickies]

My 11ish week old chicks seem to be very itchy and scratching a lot, although these are my first so I'm not sure how normal this is. At any rate, I've ordered some food grade Diatomaceous Earth and it should arrive tomorrow. Do I just dust it over the pine bedding in the coop and on the dirt in the run or is there something specific I need to do? Sorry if this is a silly question, I've never done this before. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would send it back.

Do the birds have a dust bath available to them? That is what they need.

 

[Love My Chickies]

I would send it back.

Do the birds have a dust bath available to them? That is what they need.

Yes, always.

 

[Mrs. K]

Well then check for mites or lice. Do they just scratch several times a day - or are they digging at themselves until nearly causing or causing a sore?

If they are just scratching - that is pretty typical, they are getting rid of dead skin cells, and preening themselves. If it becomes excessive, or they attack the same spot over and over again - generally a sign of bug.

If it is bugs- either lice or mites - then you need real medicine. Not all natural DE. There is considerable evidence, DE does not act as a pesticide, and can cause lung issues.

Mrs K

 

[Love My Chickies]

Well then check for mites or lice. Do they just scratch several times a day - or are they digging at themselves until nearly causing or causing a sore?

If they are just scratching - that is pretty typical, they are getting rid of dead skin cells, and preening themselves. If it becomes excessive, or they attack the same spot over and over again - generally a sign of bug.

If it is bugs- either lice or mites - then you need real medicine. Not all natural DE. There is considerable evidence, DE does not act as a pesticide, and can cause lung issues.

Mrs K

Well then check for mites or lice. Do they just scratch several times a day - or are they digging at themselves until nearly causing or causing a sore?

If they are just scratching - that is pretty typical, they are getting rid of dead skin cells, and preening themselves. If it becomes excessive, or they attack the same spot over and over again - generally a sign of bug.

If it is bugs- either lice or mites - then you need real medicine. Not all natural DE. There is considerable evidence, DE does not act as a pesticide, and can cause lung issues.

Mrs K

What do you think?

 

[Folly's place]

Tonight after dark, get out there with a small flashlight and look at their skin, around vents, neck, under wings, to find mites or lice. Mites are TINY dark specks that move, harder to see.
If any bird has any, get permethrin dust or spray, not DE, and treat them effectively.
Mary

 

[aart]

At 11 weeks they are probably growing in a new set of feathers, that takes lots of preening.

Here's my advice for a Bug Check:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

 

[Mrs. K]

looks normal to me