As I posted on another thread on the "managing your flock" forum, I just bought half a dozen hens from a dirty farm. I felt bad for the poor birds, and almost consider them to be rescues. The ground in the coops appeared to be made of a poop-mud hardpan. Not surprisingly, they have some crusty muddy undersides, and bits of dried mud in their plumage.
I decided to rinse one of the birds off, which seemed to go well. I then towel-dried the pullet, and sat her in the sun. I went to check on her a minute later, and notice that there are lots of tiny creatures fleeing the scene. They look like tiny blonde ticks.
I have now dusted all the birds with DE, and will continue to do so for a while.
Someone recommended the use of permethrin spray. I can't tell if that's appropriate for use on chickens or even for coops.
Any knowledgeable advice sure would be appreciated.
I decided to rinse one of the birds off, which seemed to go well. I then towel-dried the pullet, and sat her in the sun. I went to check on her a minute later, and notice that there are lots of tiny creatures fleeing the scene. They look like tiny blonde ticks.
I have now dusted all the birds with DE, and will continue to do so for a while.
Someone recommended the use of permethrin spray. I can't tell if that's appropriate for use on chickens or even for coops.
Any knowledgeable advice sure would be appreciated.
