So, is this product strong enough for red mites?
Yes, apparently it is effective against red mites. I haven't used it myself, as my young flock has been mite-free thus far, but there are published studies showing the efficacy of spinosad against the poultry red mite.
I am assuming it is ok to eat eggs right away.
Hmm... most folks would likely say yes, but personally I'd wait 2-3 weeks. Here's why: even after topical use, there probably is some systemic absorption of the spinosad, particularly through broken skin (e.g. mite bites) - which means that a small (actually tiny, but...) portion of the topical application may end up in the eggs, particularly in the yolks.
For plants, the manufacturer advises waiting anywhere from 1 day (leafy greens ) to 2 weeks (oily seeds and nuts) between spraying and harvesting. Given the chemical nature of spinosad, I'd be leaning toward the oily seed/nut end of the spectrum myself, which is why I'd wait. Besides, eggs from sick or stressed (e.g. parasitized) hens probably aren't as good for us as eggs from healthy, happy hens.
Spinosad is used orally in dogs, and for the most part it's well tolerated. However, some dogs develop digestive upsets from it, and there are a few reported cases of abnormal lymph node enlargement in treated dogs, so although it's a naturally-derived product, I treat it with respect.
One option with red mites is to focus your efforts on spraying the coop, particularly the roosting and nesting areas, where it would be perfectly fine to use a more concentrated solution. The lifecycle of the poultry red mite involves some time off the chicken. However, if your chickens are being driven to distraction and illness by the mites, then it would be worth treating them at least once at the outset.
There are some practical issues with using spinosad topically in chickens, though. Chief among them is the importance - and the challenge - of getting the spinosad to where the mites are living and causing the damage: the chicken's skin and the base of the feather shafts. Although it's a chore, it's very important to thoroughly soak the skin. That means spraying or dunking each chicken... The good news is that the spinosad must be left on for residual effect, and even for a good kill rate, so no need to rinse
When bathing my dog with spinosad the other week, my chickens tried to drink the solution, so that's practical issue no. 2: don't let the chickens consume the solution. In theory, spinosad may safely be ingested, but the garden spray that I use is only 0.5% spinosad, and I've had no luck finding out what's in the rest of the 99.5%, but it's probably not anything that should be swallowed in any quantity.
A couple of other things: (1) spinosad is not stable in water for more than a day or two, so discard any unused portion of the diluted solution or apply it to your garden; make up a fresh batch every time you use it, and (2) it rapidly degrades in UV light, so it will have maximum effect on the chicken's skin and in the interior of the coop.
I have been about to try frontlne plus, but I keep hearing different advice on whether I have to wait to eat eggs.
I'd avoid Frontline Plus. Before taking what I jokingly refer to as "the nuclear option," I always want to know about possible adverse effects and how likely are they. Personally, I'd double or triple dose with spinosad before I'd use anything like Frontline.
And just as a general comment, parasitism (of any kind) is more of a problem in immunocompromised animals. One of the first things I do when investigating serious parasite issues is look at the animal's diet. Trace minerals in particular are often a good thing to supplement - in any species - when there's a chronic parasite problem. The stocking rate, hygiene practices, and stress from any cause are also things that we (humans) often overlook or think we have covered, but when we look at things from the animals' perspective, not so much.
Good luck!
-Chris King-
