Lice or something on my hen...

[adegiulio]

So, one of my hen's has some tiny bugs crawling around her vent. I use DE on her, and a day later the bugs are all gone. Unfortunately, a few days later they are back. Looking more closely, I see that the feathers in this area are now crusted with something. I'm assuming they are eggs, which is what keeps the cycle going.

So, DE doesnt seem to be doing anything about this issue. Is there another product or home remedy I should be using? My hen thanks you

 

[chicmom]

That is lice, and you're right about the crusty stuff--it's the eggs. I would pick up some Seven Dust and dust your chickens really well, and then repeat in two weeks, to kill the hatching eggs. Also, you should truly gut your coop--remove all the old wood shavings or straw, sweep it out really well, apply Seven Dust all around, and put the fresh stuff in.

They can get lice from wild birds. So sorry you're going through this! What a pain in the tush! (For you and your hen.)

 

[spatulagirl]

My birds have gotten lice and I treated it with coconut oil. Kills the lice and the eggs. I just melted some, put it in a spray bottle and sprayed wherever there were eggs and around the vent and under the wings.

Easy Peasy, no more lice and no poison.

It was recommended by someone here on BYC.

 

[adegiulio]

Thank you both for the replies...I love the coconut oil idea. Not only will it solve the problem, but she's smell like suntan oil! I'll give this a shot. How long do you think it will take for them to be eradicated?

 

[laturcotte1]

Sevin5 is wonderful. When I change bedding I dust with Sevin5. Also where ever they dirt dust, drop some Sevin 5 in the pile mix well, they dust themselves. This stuff is only harmful to the lice/mites, yes all wild birds have them so unless your chickodees are in their coop 24/7 they will probably get them. good luck

 

[spatulagirl]

I sprayed twice a week apart and that was it.