Mites on Momma. HELP! What do I do????

[Chicken Lover a(TM)?]

I have a setting Buff O hen and we are currently on day 13 (!!!!!!) I have recently checked her and the eggs are a little dirty and momma hen has mites all over her. They are barely noticable, but there are MILLIONS of them. I picked her up and they transfered to me in a second. How do I get rid of them and what are they? Has this happened to you? We candled the eggs and all eight have chicks, so I know the eggs aren't dead or rotten. HELP!!

 

[chics in the sun]

I had exactly the same thing happen to my leghorn when she was sitting on eight eggs! It's the only time any of my girls have gotten mites. I took her out and dusted her down with seven dust, then gently took out the eggs and removed all the bedding, dusted inside the nest box, and put down fresh bedding. I even had to wipe down all the eggs - the mites were EVERYWHERE. After that I didn't have a problem, and the babies were fine when they hatched. Good luck - Mama Leghorn was NOT pleased about the ordeal.....

I think if she could have pecked me to death, she would have.

 

[kathyinmo]

If I were you I would treat her NOW....... before she hatches. If you don't, then the chicks will also become infested, and they are too young to handle that.

Good luck and best wishes!

 

[Chicken Lover a(TM)?]

Thanks for the advice! What is seven dust and where can I get it?

 

[Glenmar]

Garden or home improvement stores should have it. It is used to get bugs off of plants.

 

[chics in the sun]

It is also called by it's chemical name, which I'm really sorry I can't remember right now. The feed or garden store will know what you are talking about if you ask for seven dust for mites.

 

[Judy]

Carbaryl is the chemical name. Get 5% Sevin or 5% carbaryl.

 

[Cattitude]

Diatomaceous earth is also good, and it's organic. But it's difficult to find.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
DE will not help when you have an infestation. It works well as a preventative, but not for treatment. Sevin or "poultry dust" will work well. Remember though, it must be repeated in 7 - 10 days, to kill the nits that hatch. Or, you can use Ivermectin pour on for the 2nd treatment. That will do 2 things for ya .... kill lice and mites, as well as worm the hen.

 

[chics in the sun]

Quote:
Yep, I tried that first before I had a chance to figure out what else to use and get to the store to get some. It didn't do a thing after the mites were already on her. I use it religiously, though, and like I said - that's the only time any of them have gotten mites.