- May 23, 2012
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So a couple of weeks ago I disassembled the coop and scrubbed it down, dusted, etc. to get rid of a mite infestation. I would say it was moderate, but maybe it was severe. Either way, I haven't seen but a random one or two in the bedding of the nest boxes. I promptly emptied the bedding and sprayed/dusted for mites again. I think they're gone for the most part.
However...
My roo and some of the hens have what look like tiny black scabs on their combs. In all my reading on BYC it seems like they are mite bite scabs. I have checked and checked, but I'm not finding evidence of them on the chickens (around vents or the neck/head) or the perches or the nest boxes.
Is it still mites? Is there someplace else I should be checking or something else I should be doing? Our egg production has dropped to literally nill. (We have 22 layers, 10 more to start any day now) I have given them vitamins/electrolytes in their water. They have good feed, room to roam (free ranging) and SEEM otherwise healthy and happy. SOMETHING isn't right, clearly. I know the days are getting shorter, but to have such a sharp and complete cessation of eggs at this point seems suspicious to me.
Suggestions?
Advice?
Comments?
I want to get my hens back to laying and happy!! Help!
However...
My roo and some of the hens have what look like tiny black scabs on their combs. In all my reading on BYC it seems like they are mite bite scabs. I have checked and checked, but I'm not finding evidence of them on the chickens (around vents or the neck/head) or the perches or the nest boxes.
Is it still mites? Is there someplace else I should be checking or something else I should be doing? Our egg production has dropped to literally nill. (We have 22 layers, 10 more to start any day now) I have given them vitamins/electrolytes in their water. They have good feed, room to roam (free ranging) and SEEM otherwise healthy and happy. SOMETHING isn't right, clearly. I know the days are getting shorter, but to have such a sharp and complete cessation of eggs at this point seems suspicious to me.
Suggestions?
Advice?
Comments?
I want to get my hens back to laying and happy!! Help!