Little black bugs !!!! Lice or what ???

[moondog425]

I found little black/brown bugs on my rooster. They are in his feathers crawling around and his skin is pretty red.....seven dust or no??

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Papaw

 

[Miss Lydia]

most would say yes, but if you can find food grade DE[diotomacious earth] that would be better. also should chickens be dusted even if you don't see mites or lice?

 

[emys]

Maybe fleas? In any case dusting is good idea, but don't forget to clean and dust run and coop too. (Re-dust in two weeks.)

 

[ADozenGirlz]

DE is a preventative, not a cure for lice or mites.

 

[MotherJean]

Sevin is what I use. Works fast and thorough. Here's a link on bugs so you can decide whether you're dealing with mites (I think you are) or lice. Treating for mites is a bit more trouble because they can and do live off the host's body. In the daytime, they'll generally seek dark places in cracks/crevices, under coops, etc. You need to treat the birds and their environment aggressively. Also, you really must mark the day on your calendar and redust everyone and their surroundings in 7-10 days to catch any newly hatched bugs. Sevin is not 100% effective in killing eggs.

http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8162.pdf (this link has some good photos)

ETA: Saw the post suggesting DE - largely ineffective for infestation. I use as a preventative, however.

 

[moondog425]

Thank you all . They are all dusted now and the coop is too, It is marked on my calendar and I will hit em again in about 10 days.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Holy speedy treatment, Batman! Did you RUN to the coop?!?! LOL

 

[moondog425]

Why yes i did ! I dusted right after I posted the first time Wife helped with the coop!!
Quote:
Holy speedy treatment, Batman! Did you RUN to the coop?!?! LOL