Mite problem

[Alyssamary3]

So I have a young hen, Brownie, who had not been acting like her usual spunky self for the past 4 weeks. She was lethargic and keeping to herself. Almost 2 weeks ago, I went to close up the coop, and she was sleeping on the ground and looking just awful. I brought her in the house, not knowing what else to do. The next morning, I woke up to a surprise. My entire laundry room was COVERED in mites. It was horrifying. Clearly they were killing poor Brownie. I’ve been dusting her in DE, Poultry and Garden Dust with permethrin, and giving her baths with apple cider vinegar in the water (she is not thrilled about this). She’s still in the house, and I’m still battling a ridiculous amount of mites. Brownie is doing much better, eating well, and had her energy back, but still so many mites. What else can I do? I have ivermectin paste coming in tomorrow. Another odd thing, we have a flock of 15 hens. I cannot find a single mite on any other chicken. I still cleaned out the coop, burned everything, and put DE all over the new bedding. Anyone have any ideas that can help?

 

[Alyssamary3]

Multiple times per day, I brush the mites off of her into the laundry tub, and next time I look at her, she looks like this again.

 

[nuthatched]

Don't bathe her anymore , it's very stress full.
DE is ineffective for pests, stick with the garden dust.
Can you get any permethrine spray? try to cover the area she's in with tape sticky side up to help corral them.

 

[Folly's place]

I agree, bathing is too traumatic, she's already debilitated and doesn't need the extra stress.
Permethrin spray is easier to use, as long as it's not too cold, otherwise use the dust, and do treat all your birds! There's no way only one is involved in this infestation!
Mites in the house? Ugh! Spray everywhere with something you are willing to have in the house. Remember that permethrin is toxic for cats at low doses, and many/ most other house pets. Fish, reptiles, whoever, make sure your aren't causing unintended harm with your necessary insect treatment.
All the best getting through this miserable experience.
Mary

 

[Alyssamary3]

Thank you both for your advice! I’m hesitant to keep using the permethrin after I dust her with it, Brownie continuously twitches her head for about three days I think she’s having a hard time tolerating it and it’s causing neurological symptoms. Have you ever used ivermectin?