Mites/Lice Prevention Help

[MikaylaSD]

Hey guys I'm new to the site and owning chickens. We currently have four hens a few months old that just moved out to their new coup we just finished building. My question to you all is how can I best prevent my hens from getting mites? I've been reading up on this site trying to educate myself as much as possible...my husband thinks I'm being a bit paranoid and it's probably true but I'd like to be prepared if/when problems arise. Do you recommend "dusting" the coop regularly? And what does that all entail? I live in South Dakota and in town if that makes a difference, I know moisture seems to be the main problem and it does get pretty humid here in the summer. Thanks in advance!!

 

[Odelia]

I put Diatomaceous Earth in their dust bath and their nesting boxes to help prevent lice/mites. You can also put Vaseline on their legs to prevent leg mites.

 

[seann]

Welcome to BYC

I also recommend DE, although I'm new at it.

Follow up questions on vaseline: how often do you have to re-apply? will it cause the chicken or other chickens to peck the vaseline-d legs?

 

[Odelia]

Welcome to BYC

I also recommend DE, although I'm new at it.

Follow up questions on vaseline: how often do you have to re-apply? will it cause the chicken or other chickens to peck the vaseline-d legs?

It depends if you have mites or if it is just prevention. I have never had any leg mites in my flock so we just do it a couple of times a year. Always before and after any birds go to the fair. If you have mites you need to reapply every day or two.

 

[davemonkey]

For chicken lice, how often do most folks dust? My hens are mostly free-range and I've been having to do it twice a year. Is that about average?

 

[MikaylaSD]

I put Diatomaceous Earth in their dust bath and their nesting boxes to help prevent lice/mites. You can also put Vaseline on their legs to prevent leg mites.

Thanks I will definately get DE and put it in the coop. I read wood ash serves the same purpose, is that true? We have a wood burning stove so no shortage on that.

 

[davemonkey]

Thanks I will definately get DE and put it in the coop. I read wood ash serves the same purpose, is that true? We have a wood burning stove so no shortage on that.

Yes, to the ash. But once it gets wet, it is no longer effective to my knowledge.