Mites...is it possible

[Bitofablonde]

Hello BYC!

Ok age old question regarding Mites....when we bought this property in June the existing coop looked like it hadn't been cleaned, well... ever! It was in my opinion more burn worthy then salvage worthy. none the less, I cleaned out all the old bedding, ripped out all the interior, things and in doing so found millions of white/opaque looking mites. So a single dose of elector psp (bought a small amount off someone local) then bought a gallon of concentrated Pure Planet Poultry Spray from TSC. Sprayed everything interior/exterior about 4 times. Each time seeing less mites, but in the end we set off 2 bug bombs in the coop. That seemed to take care of the rest.

End of July moved our birds in, and did maintenance with First Saturday Lime everywhere inside and outside, dust baths etc. Eventually ran out but figured we would be fine.

Well we are clearly not I started noticing the mites again just at night about a week ago. I've since treated all the birds twice and soaked the one bird who seems to have the worst infestation. I've cleaned and re sprayed the coop with the Pure Planet spray and applied first Saturday lime to the new clean bedding.

But, in addition to noticing the mites in the coop I have noticed them else where on our property. Is it possible that the land its self is infested?! If so, what's the best way to keep our flock healthy???


Pic of a mite on the girl I soaked.

 

[nuthatched]

That's not a mite, look like just a little beetle.
Pure planet poultry spray is not going to do anything, it's unfortunatly snake oil.

 

[Bitofablonde]

That's not a mite, look like just a little beetle.
Pure planet poultry spray is not going to do anything, it's unfortunatly snake oil.

Hmm maybe the picture isn't a good representation, but they are definitely mites.

Is there another natural product that will work better? I've seen a lot of positive reviews with that product.

Thanks!

 

[Debbie292d]

Most here would recommend permethrin/garden powder, the whole coop and the chickens, then repeat in 10 days.

I'm for all-natural prevention. I have used food-grade diatomaceous earth for over 20 years for macaw parrots and chickens, and I have never had a mite or lice problem. BUT, when there's an infestation, you need something that will knock them out.

We've used the DE for ant problems and sprinkle it all around the outside of our house a few times a year.

 

[Bitofablonde]

Most here would recommend permethrin/garden powder, the whole coop and the chickens, then repeat in 10 days.

I'm for all-natural prevention. I have used food-grade diatomaceous earth for over 20 years for macaw parrots and chickens, and I have never had a mite or lice problem. BUT, when there's an infestation, you need something that will knock them out.

Mmm your probably right. I had the permethirn powder in my hand today haha shoulda just gone with my gut and bought that.
Is there an egg withdrawal period?

 

[Debbie292d]

Mmm your probably right. I had the permethirn powder in my hand today haha shoulda just gone with my gut and bought that.
Is there an egg withdrawal period?

None!

 

[Bitofablonde]

None!

Ok great, that was my question earlier and why I put it back.

I will grab some tomorrow, thanks ya'll!

 

[StinkyAcres]

The mites are often brought into the coop by wild birds. If you don't have a secured coop and run then it might be difficult to prevent them completely. Just keep checking your birds and treat as needed. You can also spread the powder inside the coop every time you clean it out, getting it into the corners and on the roosts, but avoid inside the nest boxes.

 

[nuthatched]

Hmm maybe the picture isn't a good representation, but they are definitely mites.

Is there another natural product that will work better? I've seen a lot of positive reviews with that product.

Thanks!

Mites typically do not have such a defined head to body or so large, but it could be the angle.
'Natural' is not inherently safer than what we call 'chemicals'. In reality
chemicals can be easily controlled but natural things can vary wildly. Most natural substances can be much more harmful than people want to believe. They're also rarely tested for safety.
Get some permethrine based spray or powder, clean out your coop completely. Apply the products and get all new bedding and litter. Dust you birds.
Don't bother with D.E ( horrible for you and your birds to breathe, also a product of strip mining, which is awful for the planet), ashes, lime, garlic, tea tree etc, all are harmful to birds in any form, if you over do it.

 

[Bitofablonde]

The mites are often brought into the coop by wild birds. If you don't have a secured coop and run then it might be difficult to prevent them completely. Just keep checking your birds and treat as needed. You can also spread the powder inside the coop every time you clean it out, getting it into the corners and on the roosts, but avoid inside the nest boxes.

We have a ton of wildlife and birds in our area. Run is open air and too large to enclose completely, sadly.

I will avoid the boxes for sure. Thanks!