Mites

[cccc540]

When I collected eggs this morning, there were mites on one of the duck's eggs (about 10 mites on one egg). I have read that I can spray with permethrin. This is easy enough to acquire at tractor supply, but I haven't been able to find out how it's actually done. Do I just dilute it in a garden sprayer and spray the ducks and the pen? I read that you have to get it on the skin. Maybe my ducks are unusual, but there is no way I'll be able to rub it in. They want nothing to do with touching. Do I have to avoid their faces? (so many warnings about eye and skin contact). Is there an oral medication I can trick them into eating and then just clean & spray the pen?
They are exactly one year old, 1 male, 2 females. The chocolate runner female had the mites on her egg. They are all acting normal, except the runner in going blonde. Except for the color, her feathers seem fine. Thanks for any advice you can give!

 

[KaleIAm]

Sorry I don't know anything about permethrin, but my vet had me give my ducks ivermectin when they had mites. I don't know if it works better or if that's just what the vet had on hand to sell.

 

[Isaac 0]

Do you have a picture of the bugs - have you found any on the birds?
There are directions on the back of the product in regards to how much you should dilute the liquid.
I use a gallon sprayer, and spray each bird towards the evening, focusing under the wings, vent, and neck area (skin contact on all). When spraying you should avoid their mouth, nares and eyes. Permethrin can be toxic to cats, so you may consider using a different product if you have cats nearby. Additionally, the coop should be cleaned and sprayed; the process is repeated in seven to ten days to kill any hatching eggs not killed by the process.

 

[cccc540]

Ok, I went out and checked their bodies for mites. They were not cooperative, and I could only check their bellies and heads. I didn't find any mites on them, but they could be elsewhere. However, I dug through the straw in their house, and there were an assortment of small bugs underneath the straw. The ones on the egg were tiny red ones. They were too small to photograph. I'm not sure if they were on the egg because it was on the floor of the house or because the bugs are on the duck.

I read about ivermectin, and I would prefer to do a few drops on their neck than spray all over with permethrin. I would still clean out the house & pen and spray those down. Does this sound like a reasonable approach? Or should I clean/spray just the house and pen?

 

[KaleIAm]

Ok, I went out and checked their bodies for mites. They were not cooperative, and I could only check their bellies and heads. I didn't find any mites on them, but they could be elsewhere. However, I dug through the straw in their house, and there were an assortment of small bugs underneath the straw. The ones on the egg were tiny red ones. They were too small to photograph. I'm not sure if they were on the egg because it was on the floor of the house or because the bugs are on the duck.

I read about ivermectin, and I would prefer to do a few drops on their neck than spray all over with permethrin. I would still clean out the house & pen and spray those down. Does this sound like a reasonable approach? Or should I clean/spray just the house and pen?

My vet spotted the mites on my duck at an exam for another issue, and had us inject the ivermectin. She had us treat the entire flock even though she only saw mites on one bird, and repeat the treatment. I don't recall when... I think it was either 10 or 14 days. She didn't have us treat the environment - which surprised me. I do have cats, though, and perhaps that is why. It worked. I took my ducks in for rechecks and they haven't had mites again. The vets are so quick when they check for mites, it must be really obvious despite my not being able to find them. I don't know if we have the same kind of bugs or if that would work for you.

 

[KaleIAm]

Could it have been a clover mite? I saw one yesterday and it made me wonder. Here's a photo, it was hard to capture because it wouldn't stop moving, but there is my finger for size reference. Look them up, they are vegetarians!

Oh, and I was at work when I found that little guy. Very far away from my birds.

 

[casportpony]

I read about ivermectin, and I would prefer to do a few drops on their neck than spray all over with permethrin. I would still clean out the house & pen and spray those down. Does this sound like a reasonable approach?

If you're going to give ivermectin it needs to be given based on the bird's weight.

1% ivermectin

• Give 0.05 ml per pound of bodyweight orally. (0.25 ml per five pounds).

0.05% ivermectin (pour-on)

• Give 0.1 ml per pound of bodyweight topically on the skin (0.5 ml per five pounds).

 

[cccc540]

Could it have been a clover mite? I saw one yesterday and it made me wonder. Here's a photo, it was hard to capture because it wouldn't stop moving, but there is my finger for size reference. Look them up, they are vegetarians!

Oh, and I was at work when I found that little guy. Very far away from my birds.

That is an interesting question.... it's possible. I ended up cleaning and spraying the house & pen, and giving everyone a dose of ivermectin on their skin. Thanks for the input. I'll have to see if I can get a magnifier and look at them if I see them again.

 

[cccc540]

If you're going to give ivermectin it needs to be given based on the bird's weight.

1% ivermectin

• Give 0.05 ml per pound of bodyweight orally. (0.25 ml per five pounds).

0.05% ivermectin (pour-on)

• Give 0.1 ml per pound of bodyweight topically on the skin (0.5 ml per five pounds).

Thank you!