Pest prevention - baffled!!

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I do not give any "preventative" treatment to my birds for any reason. My prevention is good hygiene in the coop, clean it when it needs it. Fresh food and water daily, as in they only get enough food and water for one day, water cannot grow stagnant and bacteria filled, food cannot grow mold or rot. They have a warm, dry, draft free house. They have a safe and secure run. These things will all help reduce stress and susceptibility to disease. If there is a problem, a sick bird, a parasite issue, then I treat it. At that time I will also treat the entire flock even if they are not all showing symptoms, as they have all been exposed.
 
Thank you ever so much for replying to my message. That’s really helpful advice for a newbie like me.

I have been reading up on those worming analysis kits and they seem a good investment. As you say it’s good to know what you’re treating and to find the right treatment.

So sorry for my late reply. We’ve been hit with a stomach flu - hopefully not chicken related!!!



EggSighted4Life said:
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.
TE006407

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. :old Nutrition is the key foundation IMHO... to everything animal keeping. :thumbsup

Good luck, hope this helpful. :pop
Click to expand...
 
I don't treat my birds unless they need it. I had my first flock nearly 50 years ago. This year is the first time I ever had a mite problem.
 
I'm not sure why but I've been keeping birds for years an I keep permethrin, ivermectin,safeguard etc on hand at all times but to be honest I have never had to use it but have it just in case...i do daily checks of all my birds and such check for mites and all that once a week
 

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