mites

[eggshell]

i am having a problem with mites on my three chickens, tried all sorts of sprays, powders, etc and cant seem to get rid of them! someone recommeded frontline spot on for cats and i was wondering if anyone else has used it on their girls and if so does it work? i'm getting quite desperate, any help or advice would be great.

 

[onthespot]

sounds like you have not treated their living area and they are just re-infecting. Doesnt matter what you put on them to kill the bugs, if you don't kill them in the nest boxes, perches, any wood surface, they will just keep coming back. They can live half a year with no chickens, then suddenly come back with a vengeance if you do not spray the entire area, weekly for a few weeks, and dust the hens at the same time. I had the same problem until I dusted ALL the hens EVERY week and sprayed their perches and all wooden boxes at the same time. It was a big chore but it was worth it. I have noticed some coming back again, so I will be back at it next week. I have to work this weekend so I couldn't get it done. Good luck. Hope you get it licked.

 

[Red]

I hate mites so much. Several years ago we had a really bad infestation and really struggled to get rid of it, but finally managed and haven't had a problem since.

We now put mite powder in the shavings of the hut floor and nest box, and dust the perches and walls too. When the girls had mites we dusted them too, but we no longer need to do that. As well as checking for mites on the chickens, you can run your fingers under the perches, and if they come away smeared in blood then you know there are mites there, ugh...

With frequent checking and thorough cleaning of the house we haven't had any other problems. Good luck.