Hi,
I need some help please deciding exactly what the problem is with my chickens. I know they have a mite problem (I've seen them running around in the nestboxes etc., but not on the chickens).
But....is this all that's going on?
The way some of the feathers are broken off, almost looks to me like they're being eaten? Do I have a mice/rat problem or could this just be not enough protein in their diet and/or moulting? If it is mice/rats, I did have a problem with rats a while back but I thought I had killed them all. I haven't seen any further evidence of rats for some months now.
They currently are eating 19% ff in mornings, 19% grower in the afternoons, sprouts (couple of times a week), raw hamburger 2-3 times a week, BOSS, eggs occasionally, mackeral occasionally, vitamin supplement and fresh greens. They are also free-ranging everyday for about 8 hours a day. Is it possible this could still be a protein deficiency?
Course of action taken so far:
1. Cleaned out coop from top to bottom.
2. Sprayed insecticide everywhere like a crazy person.
3. Dipped all chickens.
4. Used Cydectin pour-on (Moxidectin) on all chickens 13 days ago.
5. Provided woodash/sulphur/dirt/sand mix 24/7 for chickens. Chickens don't seem to be using this,
but they are dust-bathing everyday elsewhere.
6. Upped their protein to above.
7. Yesterday (12 days later from above) sprayed more insecticide in chicken coop.
7. Considering Cydectin for all chickens again tomorrow (14 days later). Anyone know if it's ok to re-
medicate with Cydectin 2 weeks after first dose?
Thoughts please?
Photos below.
Notice the bare patch on his chest. He has had a big scab on his belly too, and his vent is still quite red. This is mites right?
The next photos are of a different chicken...same coop. Not all chickens are suffering with whatever is going on....only some.
On photo above, notice the 'v' shape at the end of some of her feathers now. What is this?
Here you can see how the ends of her feathers appear to be 'chewed'?
All help greatly appreciated
I need some help please deciding exactly what the problem is with my chickens. I know they have a mite problem (I've seen them running around in the nestboxes etc., but not on the chickens).
But....is this all that's going on?
The way some of the feathers are broken off, almost looks to me like they're being eaten? Do I have a mice/rat problem or could this just be not enough protein in their diet and/or moulting? If it is mice/rats, I did have a problem with rats a while back but I thought I had killed them all. I haven't seen any further evidence of rats for some months now.
They currently are eating 19% ff in mornings, 19% grower in the afternoons, sprouts (couple of times a week), raw hamburger 2-3 times a week, BOSS, eggs occasionally, mackeral occasionally, vitamin supplement and fresh greens. They are also free-ranging everyday for about 8 hours a day. Is it possible this could still be a protein deficiency?
Course of action taken so far:
1. Cleaned out coop from top to bottom.
2. Sprayed insecticide everywhere like a crazy person.
3. Dipped all chickens.
4. Used Cydectin pour-on (Moxidectin) on all chickens 13 days ago.
5. Provided woodash/sulphur/dirt/sand mix 24/7 for chickens. Chickens don't seem to be using this,
but they are dust-bathing everyday elsewhere.
6. Upped their protein to above.
7. Yesterday (12 days later from above) sprayed more insecticide in chicken coop.
7. Considering Cydectin for all chickens again tomorrow (14 days later). Anyone know if it's ok to re-
medicate with Cydectin 2 weeks after first dose?
Thoughts please?
Photos below.
Notice the bare patch on his chest. He has had a big scab on his belly too, and his vent is still quite red. This is mites right?
The next photos are of a different chicken...same coop. Not all chickens are suffering with whatever is going on....only some.
On photo above, notice the 'v' shape at the end of some of her feathers now. What is this?
Here you can see how the ends of her feathers appear to be 'chewed'?
All help greatly appreciated
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