New Owner needs some help

[Joesplace]

Hello everybody, I'm a new backyard hen owner with very little knowledge on chicken care - and yes, I'm trying to read and learn.

I received a Barred Rock, Silver Laced Wyandotte and a New Hampshire Red started pullets this week from McMurray Hatchery. They are very healthy and have been in the coop for 2 days now. They poke their head out and look around but won’t venture out yet. They can go into their run but just walk down the coop ramp and stop. I’m sure they will get braver in a few days.

My question is, they sure are scratching a lot and biting at themselves. Fleas, mites?? They won't let me near them yet. Should I put DE in their coop bedding? I’m currently using pine straw with a sand base total of about 4 inches thick . . .

Any advise would help - Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I'd love to think that MMcM wouldn't send birds with parasites, but I've only ever ordered day old chicks, so I don't know. Permethrin will work better, if you need to dust them, and their coop. WEAR A DUST MASK, N95 or better, when using any type of dusting product. I'd call the hatchery about it too. They may just be doing normal preening, so there might not be a problem at all. Mary

 

[aart]

I'd check first before medicating. Birds do spend quite a bit of time preening.

Best bet is to grab them off the roost at night well after dark, hopefully you can reach them.
Wear a head light but avoid shining it into their faces or anywhere they could jump too,
I keep mine pointed up give me enough light to see but leaves them 'in the dark' haha.

Wrap your hands around their bodies pinning their wings down, part the feathers all the way down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

All easier with 2 people, but one can do it...wrap their head loosely in a towel and lay them across your lap holding down with one arm so both hands can part feathers.

 

[Joesplace]

Chicken Juggler and Folly's place - thanks for the help. I'm working on it now and they seems to be scratching a lot less. . .
Joe