Mites...

[tomorton]

I have a recurring mite problem...the hens backs and vent areas are mostly affected...skin looks red and irritated, feathers either falling out or pulled out. I have treated birds and coop with sevin dust which seems to help for a while. My question is ithis; can I use a flea bomb (containing premethrin) in the coop...after removing all feed and water, of course. Has anyone ever done this? or should I continue the battle with sevin dust. I feel that I am not getting all the crevices in the coop adequately.
Thanks!

 

[logansmommy7]

I have a similar problem-can you see mites? I have inspected my chickens and don't see anything, but have contemplated sevin dust. Do you put it all over the coop??

 

[bigdaddyabc]

May I suggest that you read the thread about diatomaceous earth? It is not a poison, but will help with the mites.

 

[halfpint512]

You really need to get Food Grade DE, as already suggested. Besides taking care of the mites and such - it also takes away the poo smell!!!! I Love the stuff!

 

[logansmommy7]

I used it last year...it is a great thing also helps with flies. I have run out for the very short time being-will get some next time I can get to the store that carries it. Thanks!

 

[elmo]

Treating for mites is a two step process. First you treat your birds and the areas they live in. Then about a week later, you must repeat the treatment, because the eggs laid before the first treatment will not be affected and will hatch out. If you're skipping the second step, that may be why you have a recurring problem.

DE can be helpful at preventing a mite infestation, but I wouldn't rely on it to get rid of one.

 

[logansmommy7]

So, Sevin dust is what you would recommend to spread around the coop and run as well as on the chickens? Someone had said to actually put each chicken in a pillow case with some sevin and shake...is that humane??

 

[tomorton]

I use the food grade DE..they have it on a constant basis for dust baths, and I sprinkle it in the coop....I have dusted the chickens and the coop with Sevin..waited two weeks and done it again..maybe the two week interval is too long? .seems to clear up for a while..then infestation reoccurs..I do not see any mites on the birds..but its my understanding that some species go on the birds at night to feed..then return to their hidey holes in the coop. I should add that this is a PUBLIC farm..so who knows who is bringing what in on their feet. Maybe I could try a spray of carbaryl (sevin) that they sell for vegetables..and really soak all the nooks and crannys of the coop? When I bring a chicken home and isolate it on my own property..they generally clear up in a couple of weeks and feathers start to grow back in...I do NOT have this issue with my own flock. At home I have chickens and quail and they always have the DE available
Thanks for all the advice!


Tom

 

[darbella]

Quote:
You leave their head out of the top and close the bag around them. Kind of "massage the sevin powder all over them. I use the Iver On cattle pour on as it treats for biting/sucking lice and mites and also acts as a wormer. I got the dosages here on BYC. If you search the threads i am sure you can find the info. 2-4 drops to the skin between the shoulder blades quarterly and it does the trick! I was also wondering at one time if a flea bomb could be used in a coop? I wonder, just as a preventative measure.

 

[gingerpeach22]

Why do you prefer food grade DE? Not sure what kind our feed store has, but non food grade should be ok for dust bath tub, no?