Natural way to prevent/treat mite and lice infestations

[Rocky64]

Honestly I read that info years ago and I don't remember anything other than what I already shared.

 

[ChickenLady2014]

Let chickens out in run, close pop door. Spray Neem oil diluted with water on all areas of a cleaned out coop, roost bars & nest boxes. If you have windows, open them & the human door for ventilation and for drying the coop. Birds can return after airing out and drying. You are aiming for a fine mist when applying, not a soaking, especially if it is winter time for you. I would shoot for a mild weather day if possible. I can't say for sure the exact ratio of Neem oil to water ratio, but I'm sure it is probably listed in the direction of use for this product. I do have a container of this somewhere, just couldn't locate at the moment. It must be made from orange oil or something close because that is what it smells like. I will be treating my coop with the next shaving cleanout. I have not performed this treatment method before, but I just recently read about it. If there is someone with more knowledge on this subject please feel free to correct me or add additional insight.

 

[MossyCreek]

Thank you everyone for the ideas and info! I do not have an infestation, just asking in case one should arise. My birds have access to a dust bathing area, and they seem to keep things in check that way.

 

[ChickenLady2014]

Thank you everyone for the ideas and info! I do not have an infestation, just asking in case one should arise. My birds have access to a dust bathing area, and they seem to keep things in check that way.

Same here, just being proactive, have had issues with lice after getting birds from CL.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Woodstove ashes!

 

[ChickenLady2014]

Woodstove ashes!

Hubby is going to get some from a friend of his. I have 2 chicken runs that have a green turtle covered sandbox in them. Will put some in with the sand I have in there when the weather gets nice. Will definitely dust the birds as soon as I get some.

 

[MossyCreek]

Same here, just being proactive, have had issues with lice after getting birds from CL.

I would definitely be leery of buying on CL. Not that all the characters are unsavory, because I do occasionally sell birds on there, but I never buy from there.

Wood ash is a great idea! I'll get some laid out there. Thanks!

 

[ChickenLady2014]

I would definitely be leery of buying on CL. Not that all the characters are unsavory, because I do occasionally sell birds on there, but I never buy from there.

Wood ash is a great idea! I'll get some laid out there. Thanks!

My experience was not favorable, but I know not everyone on CL are dishonest because I sell some extras on CL myself as well. Definately will try the wood ash, thanks.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

A spark can remain in woodstove ashes for up to a month I have read. So I put mine in an old fire pit bowl that I keep under a homemade rain shelter. That way the ashes are in a non-flammable container. Or I guess I could just dig a hole in the ground under the shelter for them to bathe in.

In the summer I switch to DE.