Poultry Lice?

[The Angry Hen]

A few weeks back, I noticed a couple (about 5) of my birds having a small amount of straw-colored-parasite-looking bugs crawling at the base of their feathers- beneath the hackle and under the wings, sometimes just before the tail but not around the vent. After doing some research, they most resemble poultry lice AKA "chicken body louse"... Does this make sense? They've spread to more of my birds but I don't know where they originated.

I took one of my hen's feathers with them on it and stuck it in a small jar. I'll try to get a picture. In the meantime, how can I naturally get rid of these parasites without using DE? Will putting some loose dirt in the coops act the same? I'd appreciate any suggestions.

(I also made up a spray of cinnamon, oregano, thyme and vinegar after reading these may repel. It startles the birds when sprayed beneath their feathers and it didn't really work that I know of.)

 

[Kiki]

I'd not the waste time and money with anything you mentioned above.
Get some permethrin asap and treat every bird and your coop.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

I'd not the waste time and money with anything you mentioned above.
Get some permethrin asap and treat every bird and your coop.

I agree 100%

There is no natural solution that actually works.

And it’d be best to treat immediately before the infestation gets even worse.

 

[The Angry Hen]

Thank you both for your suggestions- I will further look into the product. My only concern is that Permethrin is considered a natural insecticide derived from Chrysanthemums. I do like the idea of hearing "natural" when speaking about plant-based medication, but the product is synthetic so I don't necessarily think it's correct.

I intend to search around, though, and put the idea to thought. Thanks again for the help.

 

[aart]

My only concern is that Permethrin is considered a natural insecticide derived from Chrysanthemums. I do like the idea of hearing "natural" when speaking about plant-based medication, but the product is synthetic so I don't necessarily think it's correct.

Yes, permethrin is the synthetic version of the chrysanthemum derived pyrethrin.
You might be able to find pyrethrin....
...but seriously, what's more important... 'natural' or suffering chickens?

 

[The Angry Hen]

@aart The obvious answer is that I do not want my chickens to be suffering- nor does anybody that cares about their bird's well-being and health.
I dislike to use synthetic/unnatural medicine and products for myself or my family...it goes for my animals too.
I simply sought suggestions on how to keep my egg layers healthy, and natural, when I've been trying my best to do so up until now... not to neglect them.

"I intend to search around, though, and put the idea to thought."
I'll do just as I said. If I cannot find anything else, I will resort to Permethrin though it wasn't my first choice. To answer your question, I do not want suffering chickens.

 

[aart]

I too, for decades now, strive to be 'natural'.....but there are times when it just doesn't work.

 

[Folly's place]

Pyrethrin will work, although it doesn't last as long, so might need to be repeated more often as permethrin spray or powder.
Also it might be harder to locate.
Birds will die with lice or mites! Get them and your coop treated ASAP!
Mary

 

[mosander]

A few weeks back, I noticed a couple (about 5) of my birds having a small amount of straw-colored-parasite-looking bugs crawling at the base of their feathers- beneath the hackle and under the wings, sometimes just before the tail but not around the vent. After doing some research, they most resemble poultry lice AKA "chicken body louse"... Does this make sense? They've spread to more of my birds but I don't know where they originated.

I took one of my hen's feathers with them on it and stuck it in a small jar. I'll try to get a picture. In the meantime, how can I naturally get rid of these parasites without using DE? Will putting some loose dirt in the coops act the same? I'd appreciate any suggestions.

(I also made up a spray of cinnamon, oregano, thyme and vinegar after reading these may repel. It startles the birds when sprayed beneath their feathers and it didn't really work that I know of.)

 

[Chickassan]

This is what I use, the bonide.
It is also the cheapest pyrethrin dust iv'e found.
It works, but with extremely fluffy butts you really have to make sure it gets down to the skin and feather bases. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bonide-P...MI-eyK8Pec5AIVCbDtCh1WTwfpEAQYBCABEgINvPD_BwE