Mites Gone Wild

[The Wild Hen]

So this winter I had a couple of broodies that I noticed some mites on their eggs. I dusted them with permethrin, the eggs and such. The moms seemed to clear up and her babies seemed fine. I now am realizing we have a massive infestation. I’m noticing it in all of my birds. Constantly itching and pecking. I have two (different) broodies now mid hatch and you guessed it they are covered. The only time my birds come to me is for food. They are pretty skiddish and keep to themselves so catching them and dusting by hand seems impossible. We have a flock of 40 with 20 under the hens. The first round of “babies” are 10 weeks today and are fully integrated into the flock. They free range 8.5 acres all day and coop at night. I’m in northern Iowa if that matters. They are tiny black. I have kids, dogs, and cats. I generally try natural things first because of those previous mentions but completely am not against taking what measures are needed to get rid of these things. What is a girl to do???

 

[The Wild Hen]

I’m seeing through my research it seems I will need to spray. So which is better the Elector PSP or concentrated permethrin??? Considering I have two broodies and 20 eggs a week in. Which is safe to continue using the eggs??

 

[Kiki]

I am a fan of permethrin spray.

Spray the crap out or your coop and birds each week for no less than 3 weeks straight.

No egg withdrawal.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Permethrin has no withdrawl period for eggs. I don't know about elector psp.

You might want to try something like the self dusting bags mentioned in this article: https://entomologytoday.org/2016/07/18/battling-chicken-mites-with-bags-of-brimstone/ if the birds are that difficult to catch/handle.

 

[The Wild Hen]

Permethrin has no withdrawl period for eggs. I don't know about elector psp.

You might want to try something like the self dusting bags mentioned in this article: https://entomologytoday.org/2016/07/18/battling-chicken-mites-with-bags-of-brimstone/ if the birds are that difficult to catch/handle.

Very interesting article thank you!!