Oiling the roosts, what kind of oil?

[kathyinmo]

I have never heard of Oregano oil. Where do you get that? Is there any specific reason in using it?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Quote:
Sorry, Pop. I think you missed this one. That's unusual for you.

You oil the roosts to kill roost mites, not leg mites. Leg mites are on the chickens legs. Roost mites hide in cracks in the roosts (and other places) during the day and come out at night.

Mississippi State Scaly Leg mites
http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/poultry_shanks.html

 

[CityChook]

Quote:
If it smells ... won't that bother the poultry? I mean, I know they have a sensitive respiratory system.

It doesn't smell after it's soaked in and dry. That's why I mention that it will take a day to dry completely. You wouldn't want to put the chickens immediately back onto the roost - the oil is very sticky.

 

[saladin]

If you would like results from using the oil then paint them with burnt motor oil mixed with Malathion at the rate of 1 gal to 1 pint. saladin

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote:
Burnt motor oil ... does that just mean used oil? Isn't malathion an insecticide? I'm guessing it would sorta be like mixing oil with Sevin, correct? Hmmm, haven't heard of this before.
Thanks!

 

[saladin]

Burnt motor oil is used oil. Malathion is an insecticide like Sevin. It is in a petroleum base and mixes well with the oil. saladin

 

[Tala]

Quote:
If plain oil gets the job done on it's own, it seems like adding an insecticide would be unnecessary. Just my .02

 

[speckledhen]

I use veggie oil with a couple of drops of tea tree oil for bug deterrent. You have to do it in the morning and rub it in good, or they'll be sliding off the roosts that night!

 

[saladin]

Quote:
If plain oil gets the job done on it's own, it seems like adding an insecticide would be unnecessary. Just my .02

The wood poles absorb the oil quite fast; by adding the Malathion it will last a lot longer than just the burnt motor oil alone.


This also helps control mites and lice not just leg mites. saladin

 

[upintheholler]

Im with saladin the burnt motor ail with malathailon will get rid of all the leg mites.It will also help with tha red mites and lice.Years ago the preferred treatment for scaley leg mites was burnt motor oil.I know it is not the best for your birds but the alternative is living with mites.And i have seen what mites will do I will stay with the burnt motor oil.