Itchy Girl

[Bushastead]

Hello,

My Silkie (Olive) is having another broody spell, and when I take her out of the nesting box she acts like the is itchy. To the point where she can only take a step or two with out itching her self again. I checked her for mites or lice and didn't see anything crawling around. We put Diatomaceous earth in the coop to maybe kill what is in there. But im wondering if we should maybe dust her with it?

 

[sloanbychoice]

Does she have fertilized eggs under her that you’re trying to hatch?
If not, I’d break her.
If so, I personally am not a fan if DE.
I would do another thorough check around the vent for evidence of lice and/or mites.
Make sure there are no nits on the feathers.
If there are, treat with an actual lice treatment.

 

[Bushastead]

Does she have fertilized eggs under her that you’re trying to hatch?
If not, I’d break her.
If so, I personally am not a fan if DE.
I would do another thorough check around the vent for evidence of lice and/or mites.
Make sure there are no nits on the feathers.
If there are, treat with an actual lice treatment.

Yeahhh, we are trying to. She goes through these every few months.
When I checked her I couldnt find anything. Ill check again tomorrow to see

 

[Folly's place]

Check her at night with a small flashlight, around her vent, under wings, and on neck. Mites are very tiny little specks that move, and lice are larger.
Mary

 

[Wyorp Rock]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/crust-on-feathers.1390291/#post-22821814

 

[cmom]

I use a headlamp and check the birds at night after they roost. Some mites only come out at night and feed on the birds. With the headlamp, I have both hands free to check the birds over thoroughly. I have not had any success with DE. Some people swear by it but it hasn't worked for me. I use poultry dust. It has permethrin in it. I also use the concentrate.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I use a headlamp and check the birds at night after they roost. Some mites only come out at night and feed on the birds. With the headlamp, I have both hands free to check the birds over thoroughly. I have not had any success with DE. Some people swear by it but it hasn't worked for me. I use poultry dust. It has permethrin in it. I also use the concentrate.

I do the exact same thing. I was going to respond with my advice, but I now I don't have to.