Lice or Mites?! Please help!

[crazy chix]

Ok... I inherited 25 chickens when I bought my coop 2 wks ago. I already have 10, so it was a big step. Much to my horror, I noticed bugs on my new silkie last night. I have looked at many other comments on byc, and while helpful, can be confusing to a newbie. I've only had chickens for a year and never had problems like this. They seem much bigger than lice or mites have been described. I see them on her back, could be other places as well. Saw them at dusk last night and again this morning.

Checked one more of the new girls, but didn't see any while dealing with her resistance.
I cleaned the coop and sprayed with vinegar when I got it. Then put in fresh shavings. Stupid me didn't even think about bugs. Any advice on what these are and how to treat? I don't want to use chemicals if I don't have to.
Thank you!

 

[Judy]

The recommended treatment is Sevin. Products like Adams flea and tick spray, which are pyrethrins/permethrins also work. If there is anything natural that works on an infestation, I've never heard of it. Some may recommend DE, but it will not address an infestation -- and it is rough on their respiratory tract, anyway. You have to consider that the mites/lice will kill the birds if the infestation is serious enough. Also, Silkies for some reason are prone to these bugs. Whatever the bugs are, it is very likely Sevin will kill them.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

 

[crazy chix]

Thank you for your response. I spent 3hrs cleaning the coop, run & and chickens. I sprayed them with poultry protector and dusted everything with sevin and DE, including all the dirt baths I could find in the pasture and woods. I will dust them as well a few times in the next week or two. I sure hope I can beat this!