Mites/Lice?

[AQHAchick22]

I was just holding one of my little bantams that has been acting very lethargic, is about 9 months old and hasn't laid and egg and is missing feathers on her head. I just saw some clear little bugs running around her head. Would these be mites or lice and what is the best way to get rid of them?!?!

 

[cameronfarm]

That sounds like a pretty seriose infestation. You will need to completely clean out the cops / runs. Put powder treatment in the areas they do dust baths in and treat the birds directly with liquid permethrins, make sure it gets under the feathers and on the skin. Personally I would also spray the coop.

You can purchase specific medication or use common permethrins found in garden dust and other OTC sprays, just check the dosage before applying.

 

[cameronfarm]

Not sure if I am special enough to post links but here is a good write up on it:

http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8162.pdf

 

[AQHAchick22]

Luckily she has been out of the coop for at least a month now because she was getting picked on. I'm going to check the hens in the coop tonight when it gets dark. For now it's just her and a rooster in one of the sheds. I have a powder I'll put on her and I'll dust down the shed. Maybe stop by TSC tomorrow to see what I can find...ugh I feel terrible