Outdoor pests?

[HenHouse4Life]

Good morning feathered friends! We are getting ready to move our chickens out to the coop....do we need to be watchful of any fleas, mites or pests like that? What steps can we take to keep our chickens healthy?

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Yes mites and fleas are an issue. The best thing you can do for them is let them have access to very dry dirt. The birds take dust baths to keep themselves free of pests. So very dry dirt they can dig out a bit and roll about in will be the best way to keep pests from becoming a problem.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Thank you! I appreciate the advice

 

[guineapeeps]

You could also put diatomaceous earth in the dirt where they take their dust bath. It's a good, safe way to keep the pests away. I also occasionally put sevin dust in my Guinea fowl's dust bath area to repel mites.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Ok...is that something I can pick up at the feed store?

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

Yes you can, and it is great stuff, but be careful how much you use. Also be warned, do not breath it in. It is very harsh on your lungs, and can even harsh to your birds as well. I use it, under my straw on a cement floor, but be careful.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Good advice! Thank you!

 

[BBQJOE]

So far the best prevention I have found is dumping the wood ash from my wood stove or firepit right into the holes the dig and bathe in, Not a mite or worm yet.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Really?...that is so interesting! We have a lot of that lol

 

[BBQJOE]

Really?...that is so interesting! We have a lot of that lol

Try it. It surely can't hurt.