Lice

[Mixedcat13298]

My two serama hens and sizzle have lice
I used the mites and lice spray I had for scaly leg mites
What else should I do ?
These guys are normally house chickens but I moved them outside for the summer and we had a ton of wild birds in the yard lately
These my my young kids birds so please info would be welcomed

 

[azygous]

Have you checked to be sure the scaly leg spray killed the lice? I haven't heard of anyone using prepared scaly leg treatment to treat lice. However, I've used Elector PSP on scaly leg mites as well as lice, and it worked splendidly in just one treatment.

You will need to check again in a week or so as the nits hatch into new adult lice.

 

[MatthewsHomestead]

Weekly dawn dishsoap baths followed by a good soak in ACV water. I'll try to find the link with instructions. But it must be repeated as the nits hatch.

 

[MatthewsHomestead]

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/


https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/mites-lice-treatment-and-prevention.64597/

Also provide dust baths with wood ash and sand. I personally don't like DE although commonly recommended. Apart down your coop with a spray made of 2c water, 1c cooking oil, and 1 tbsp of dawn, shake well and spray down coop at least twice a week while treating.

Here is a link to the two bath system that worked for us when we had a small louse scare. But you do have to be faithful with repetition until they are all gone.
http://citygirlfarming.com/2012/08/22/chicken-lice-arent-nice/
Just be sure to clean, clean, clean your coop as you treat. It's a bit of a headache but you and your birds will feel so much better once they are gone.

 

[casportpony]

My two serama hens and sizzle have lice
I used the mites and lice spray I had for scaly leg mites
What else should I do ?
These guys are normally house chickens but I moved them outside for the summer and we had a ton of wild birds in the yard lately
These my my young kids birds so please info would be welcomed

Try using something with permethrin.

 

[MatthewsHomestead]

I forgot to mention this as well!!! It's works! Kills on contact but you want to make sure it coats the skin which can be harder on "fluffier" birds or birds with lots of down feathers. I SWEAR BY IT! And it all natural, bird safe, chemical free, plus you can use it to treat the coop and regularly as a preventative. Don't know why I forgot to mention it before as it's my #1 go to. Brain fart I reckon.

you can find it at TSC for around $11

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I forgot to mention this as well!!! It's works! Kills on contact but you want to make sure it coats the skin which can be harder on "fluffier" birds or birds with lots of down feathers. I SWEAR BY IT! And it all natural, bird safe, chemical free, plus you can use it to treat the coop and regularly as a preventative. Don't know why I forgot to mention it before as it's my #1 go to. Brain fart I reckon.View attachment 1407555you can find it at TSC for around $11

I hate to rain on your parade but your "Safe alternative to harsh chemical treatments" product is the same synthetic chemical that is in your food to kill mold and other pathogens. While it is true that potassium sorbate was first isolated from a natural source (the mountain ash tree) it is produced by non-organic means like in a bad, big old smelly and did I mention noisy factory. It is only allowed in "Organic" agriculture because for it has never been classified as a non Organic non chemical chemical product like say DDT etc. has been classified or maybe the correct word is demonized like DDT has been. Don't worry, only a few people are allergic to potassium sorbate just like only a few people are allergic to wheat gluten.

https://www.livestrong.com/article/31559-potassium-sorbate/

 

[MatthewsHomestead]

I hate to rain on YOUR parade, but this is directly quoted from the USDA downloadable report on Potassium Sorbate which I tend to believe over a reporter on a fanatic site.... "As in" all things on the internet are not true, and the reporter is not a government researcher who is a reputable expert on the topic.
Here it is....

"2. The toxicity and mode of action of the substance and of its break down products or any
contaminants, and their persistence and areas of concentration in the environment.
“Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid. Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are novel,
highly efficient, safe and nonpoisonous food preservatives recognized internationally as a best series. It is
the substitute for the sodium benzoate as a traditional preservative. Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt
of an unsaturated fatty acid, which participates in the normal fat metabolism in human body and will be
oxidated into carbon dioxide and water finally. It will not be accumulated in human body.”44 “Potassium
sorbate is a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid and is completely safe with regard to health and have
the lowest allergenic potential of all food preservatives.” 45

3. The probability of environmental contamination during manufacture, use, misuse, or disposal
of the substance.
“Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved
waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management
options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of
container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.” 46 Potassium
sorbate is considered a low-risk pesticide. Therefore, the chances of environmental contamination if used
in feed or medication are minimal. Potassium sorbate is non-toxic."

And here is the link directly to the downloadable report straight from the USDA....
https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/P Sor technical advisory panel report.pdf

Might I go on to say that in the report it is mentioned that.....

"Potassium sorbate was petitioned as a feed additive to be used as a mold inhibitor. While potassium is non-
toxic and environmentally safe, it may not be in compliance with organic farming due to the afore
mentioned limitations."

The limitations being referred to are....

"• No chemical preservatives, colouring agents, waxes, or irradiation treatment to kill bacteria"

As YES, it is considered a "chemical" because it is "manufactured", it is synthesized to follow what is naturally found in nature. This is the same way things such as penicillin and other drugs are created. So in essence, mother nature gave us the genetic code to create or emulate something that prevents MOLD GROWTH in things from wine, cheese, and (as you mentioned) jerky to pickles, cosmetics and also livestock feed. Mold is MORE harmful than Potassium Sorbate. Furthermore, it is regulated to prevent over usage and over consumption. I'll take that jerky snack over a McDonald's burger any day.

 

[Folly's place]

Me, not so much.
Permethrin is also a manufactured product from a natural source, and works great.
Mary

 

[Quen10]

Me, not so much.
Permethrin is also a manufactured product from a natural source, and works great.
Mary

But i wouldnt eat or drink permethrin. I drink down pottasium sorbate every weekend.