Mites

[lilmillefleur]

Our chickens don't usually enjoy being handled so we only have seen one of our friendly banty hens mites eggs. They are mostly in her beard. I have heard that permethrin kills the mites, but I should also dilute it with water...? Also, it would be a problem if I get it in the chickens' eyes, since we'd be spraying beards and things.
My main question is, do we spray the chicken on top of her feathers, or in her feathers? Or do we dunk them in a bath tub full of it? I just need some input on how to do this. Thanks all.

 

[Abriana]

DE is great for mites as well!

 

[lilmillefleur]

Bump

 

[coach723]

Here is a link, near the bottom is a video showing how to do it. I do the same way, with a hand held spray bottle. http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html
The spray bottle makes it easy to direct where it goes, even better if you have help. Spray (or powder) needs to get to the base of the feather shafts and skin. If it's cold out it may be better to use a powder product on the birds themselves so they aren't wet.
You will also need to clean out and treat the coop.
Also has a link at the bottom that goes to a site with some application rates for various products. If you are using a permethrin liquid there should be instructions on the label for how to mix it.