Itsy Bitsy creepy crawlies - on me!

[GallusSapiens]

For the past few days, I have noticed that every time I handle the chickens during the day, or scoop out the top layer of litter, I get itchy in all kinds of places, and it feels like something is crawling on me. Today, I focused my eyes on an itchy spot (rather than scratching or slapping) and saw a very tiny, almost imperceptible critter crawling amongst my arm hair. It was dark (not red), and I found it during the day. It was difficult to squash. Can I assume that this is an infestation of northern fowl mites? I've never seen them, so I am not sure. We haven't noticed any baldness or serious distress in the flock, although when we let them out of the run in the late afternoon, they almost immediately go under the deck and take a very serious dust bath.

My daughter just informed me she found 2 tiny specks moving around on her - she wants to know if they will live on people.

Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

 

[dawg53]

Here's a link for you to help you identify what you're dealing with:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig140

 

[GallusSapiens]

Thanks. I had read that article. I don't have a way to magnify what I see on me, so I can't tell if that's it. They are very, very tiny, though. Is it normal to see northern fowl mites crawling on a person after handling a chicken? I also have another question - I see a lot of people talk about using Sevin dust. Are we talking about the 5% carbaryl dust for use "anywhere" - or is there one that is explicitly for poultry?

 

[GallusSapiens]

duplicate

 

[LaynaDon95]

I would recommend Permethrin spray for mites. I have used it in the past on my own flock, and am using it on some meat birds that came to us with a horrible mite infestation. It's much easier to apply than dust/powder. For prevention in the future, put food grade diatomacious earth (DE) in the nesting boxes and maybe even spread some in other areas that your chickens frequent. Chickens keep mites like dogs keep fleas even when treated. But there is a difference between having some mites and being infested.

 

[dawg53]

Thanks. I had read that article. I don't have a way to magnify what I see on me, so I can't tell if that's it. They are very, very tiny, though. Is it normal to see northern fowl mites crawling on a person after handling a chicken? I also have another question - I see a lot of people talk about using Sevin dust. Are we talking about the 5% carbaryl dust for use "anywhere" - or is there one that is explicitly for poultry?

Yes, the 5% carbaryl dust.

 

[GallusSapiens]

Thank you. DE is something new to me, and it seems that it may be a natural preventative for fleas as well (4 cats and a dog!), so we'll definitely be investing in some of that!

 

[GallusSapiens]

Update - I just went to do a night time inspection, and found the roost crawling with the same teeny tiny things that I found on myself. Since they got on me from the birds during the day, I am pretty convinced they are northern fowl mites. Planning a major treatment tomorrow. Maybe this is why we don't have any eggs yet! What are the symptoms of anemia. We haven't noticed any irritation, scabs or bald spots, so I hope they haven't been too badly impacted yet.

 

[dawg53]

Forget the DE, use sevin dust. Dust all your birds with it; coop, nests, roosts. Repeat dusting everything again in 7-10 days.
Mites cause anemia as you know. Birds become weak, lethargic, pale/shriveled combs, slacked off eating/drinking, no eggs...then death. Mites can take a chicken down quickly. This is why you want to use something more potent than DE.

 

[Reurra]

FOOD GRADE DE will work as a preventative, but not a sure. Sevin dust works wonders.

When using either product USE A MASK!!

Do not inhale any of this dust!!

Though FOOD GRADE DE is natural, its fine particles over time breathed into the lungs can cause dusty lung. This is an incurable condition. If used roperly and in small amounts it can actually work, but if used improperly it can be harmful to respiratory systems of all creatures.

Sevin dust is a pesticide. It is a poison that is an indiscriminant killer. It kills any insect coming in contact with it. Bees are particular concern because they are beneficial insects. However, dealing with sevin dust, its imperative that you wear a mask and gloves and work in a well ventilated space.