Pest prevention - baffled!!

[Chickcorn]

Hi there,

Sorry if these seems like a daft question but what does everyone use for pest control? I don’t think I want to use DE (sorry don’t want to upset people or cause a big discussion on it ).

I have bought ACV, Nutri drops and verm-x (pellets and drops).

My 4 chickens are bantams and are only 16 weeks only. I guess my main questions are:

What’s the best treatment for lice or lice prevention and also worms?
What age can I start treating them?What dosage should I use? I wasn’t sure about Verm-x dosage.

Ideally I’d like to stay away from harsh chemicals but understand this isn’t always an option!

I’ve done lots of reading up on this and i’m completely baffled by the options and can’t find any info about what the minimum age for treatment or appropriate doses for younger chickens.

Thank you ever so much for taking the time to read this and put up with a newbie daft questions!!

 

[Shadrach]

Hello Chickcorn. Welcome to BYC.
Is it blowing a gale over there?
One of the problems I have here is a lot of the chemicals they have in the US aren't available under those brand names in the UK, or here in Spain.

 

[dawg53]

Permethrin or malathion powder will treat lice/mites. Flubenvet is very good and your best choice for a wormer. VermX will empty your purse or wallet. There is no need to dust your birds unless you see external parasites on your birds, inspect them frequently.
You can worm your birds in as little as 6 weeks old. That's what I do.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2012/01/ve...eal-evidence-to-show-it-is-safe-or-effective/

 

[chickens really]

I never treat Birds unless needed. I clean my Coop and twice a year I use Dusting powder around edges and on Roosts.

 

[Chickcorn]

Hello Chickcorn. Welcome to BYC.
Is it blowing a gale over there?
One of the problems I have here is a lot of the chemicals they have in the US aren't available under those brand names in the UK, or here in Spain.

Thanks for your reply.

Happily no, we’re enjoying a lovely sunny weekend with a gentle breeze. Makes up for the recent bad weather over the last few weeks.

Yes that’s what I am conscious of... Living on a small island i am limited to a small choice of chicken supplies. Thank goodness for good old Amazon

 

[Chickcorn]

Permethrin or malathion powder will treat lice/mites. Flubenvet is very good and your best choice for a wormer. VermX will empty your purse or wallet. There is no need to dust your birds unless you see external parasites on your birds, inspect them frequently.
You can worm your birds in as little as 6 weeks old. That's what I do.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2012/01/ve...eal-evidence-to-show-it-is-safe-or-effective/

That’s really helpful, thank you.

I think I want to get stocked up in the event of lice etc.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Permethrin (I prefer spray), often located in the equine section... will treat lice and mites (except scaly leg and depluming) very effectively with no withdrawal time for eggs if used according to directions... and I use it VERY young if needed on chicks being raised with broody's. I also ONLY treat when needed... A spritz just below the vent feathers parted so it hits skin. Also under each wing pit and to the back nape of the neck at the base of the head. The idea of prevention is good but NOT using something without cause will prevent pest resistance... which IS a problem. Don't roll out the red carpet for wild birds and animals to your property. And be SURE to do rodent control, as these things will have some impact.

https://www.horse.com/item/fly-rid-plus-spray/E006407/

I bought this to keep mosquitoes off my goats... it lasted me 2+ years with 82+ birds, 2 large goats, and 3 medium dogs... including spraying my roost, lay boxes, and coop perimeter. It comes in other brands and strengths like Martin's and others. The mites I am fighting right now are the ones that don't live on the birds and come out just to feed... not in my coop, but in the bushes around my yard and such... We drink our ground water.

Different wormers treat different worms. I WON'T treat for worms without getting a fecal float to make sure I am treating for what I DO have and not what I don't. Only large round worms and tape worm will EVER be seen in droppings. All others remain in the intestines and only the oocysts (microscopic eggs) will pass.

I am anti DE also and try to keep it simple here so I don't lightly make suggestions when it comes to chemical stuff... but it is important that what you use works when you need it to, these pests are no joke... IF I needed to treat for lice and mites (including scaly leg and depluming)... AND worms (not sure which species it is effective against) all in the same go... I might consider using Ivermectin.

Gosh, I haven't seen malathion in decades... it might actually be outlawed here in California as MANY poisons have been. If you have the funds... you can look into Elector PSP for external treatment if organic is important to you. For me organic/natural poison is still poison... thinking arsenic, cyanide type stuff.

I personally avoid ALL dusting powders as I don't like breathing it and seeing it shake out every time my birds fluff their feathers. And if you don't already know... waiting until after roost and keeping lights dim, using a flashlight.. can prevent any chasing if your birds aren't the calmest.

Make sure that standard dirt baths are available. This is one way they help keep parasites under control. I also discovered that molting seems like a natural pest control for wild birds! And one thing that makes a HUGE difference (in my experience) is nutrition. Nutrition is the key foundation IMHO... to everything animal keeping.

Good luck, hope this helpful.

 

[Folly's place]

There's really no 'prevention', it's about monitoring your birds and treating for problems if they come up. Find out what's legal to use in the UK, and what's available, and then you will be prepared.
Her in the USA, we have permethrin spray or dust, very effective against mites, lice, and fleas. We also have fenbendazole for many intestinal parasites if needed.
You may have other drugs available in addition, or instead.
Mary

 

[aart]

There's really no 'prevention', it's about monitoring your birds and treating for problems if they come up. Find out what's legal to use in the UK, and what's available, and then you will be prepared.

Exactly!

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. I use permethrin spray when I need to. If you do have lice, mites, etc, I do my initial spray then in about a week I do a followup and weekly for a few weeks. The spray will kill the pests but not the eggs so repeat spraying is necessary.