Lice May Be an Issue this Spring

[centrarchid]

Normally, lice not a problem hear, especially with free-range birds. Penned birds showing behavioral signs typical of heavy lice infestation. Will be making adjustments to allow more dust bathing by even penned birds. I think this is partly related to heavy songbird visitation overwinter till now.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Interesting. What behavioral signs are you seeing?

Also do you see actively moving lice on them? If so, will you use any treatment such as Permethrin to get those under control or do you feel that once you make dust bathing adjustments that will take care of it.

 

[trudyg]

I'm in N Al, and it's been so very wet this winter that I expect issues as the weather warms up, too. We had scaly leg last year, so I think I'll put scarlet oil on their legs regardless just in case. Coop is cleaned often, so hoping I"ll stay ahead of anything else.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm treating for mites for the second time this spring, thanks to those rotten house wrens that get into my coop, and hang around out there generally. Why don't the chickens attack them?
I may trap them in the coop and spray them too!
Mary

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm treating for mites for the second time this spring, thanks to those rotten house wrens that get into my coop, and hang around out there generally. Why don't the chickens attack them?
I may trap them in the coop and spray them too!
Mary

There you go Mary! Good idea, treat all the wild birds too (they would probably appreciate it)

 

[CJsCoop]

I’m going to have to do my second round this week too! Originally I only found evidence on my roo. I treated him thoroughly, and did a quickie on the girls due to time constraints. Oops, my bad! Now some of the girls have them. I can’t treat again til Thursday according to the label.
This winter we had a lot of wild birds hanging in the run for food. I thought I was being smart. I went out and got bird feeders for them and put them up away from the coop/run. But now my brats hang around the bird feeders when they free range. I can’t win.

 

[Folly's place]

My wild bird feeders aren't available to the chickens, which is much safer for them. The wrens find the coop and chicken feeders though, so not helpful!
We sprayed permethrin in the coop and on the birds two weeks ago, but it was cold, and didn't do a thorough job on the birds. Last night everyone got more spray, so I hope it's going to be fine now. And if I can trap those miserable wrens, they are getting sprayed. Will it harm them? Do I care?!?
Mary