Quarantine birds

[cherrynberry]

Basically, I moved a few days ago (on the 17th) and inherited 7 chickens. Biosecurity is pretty important to me, so I am trying to do the best I can to keep the new birds separate. So yes, they are being quarantined. I will be doing daily updates, since I will be trying to hang out with them daily, to get them to warm up to me (they are quite skittish). So anyways, if you can help, that would be appreciated. Otherwise, if anyone is curious on updates, I will be posting them here.


They live on a different property, but I will try to visit them daily. I don't know how to use spoilers, so be aware of somewhat "gruesome" photos below.

@Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive

 

[cherrynberry]

Day 1: December 17th. Moved into the new house. The previous owner didn't let me check on the chickens until we got the keys. Checked on them in the afternoon and basically just sat in their coop and run for a few hours. Changed their feed to what I feed (Purina 20% protein, Flock raiser) and provided them with oyster shells. Removed all of their previous feed and cleaned out the coop as well. They were fed rabbit food and layer feed, looks like the previous owners mixed the two.

Day 2: Hanged out with them for a few hours and checked on the Barred rock because she looked sick. I finally caught her (like I said, they are skittish) and checked on her. We hit our first issue, she is INFESTED with mites and maybe lice. Dusted all 7 of the birds with permethrin dust all the way to the skin. Left them in it for the entire night. So my question would be...what are the bugs on her? (pictures posted below). Anyways, everyone had a lot, but the BR had it the worst. They are in pretty bad shape. Her skin is very flakey too We named her "Festia" because of her infestation and because it the the Christmas season.

 

[cherrynberry]

Day 3: Removed the free feeder for a few hours and checked on their crops. One bird was discovered to have sour crop. I have monistat on hand, so I think I will use that. That is pretty much it for today. I think the mite infestation is the biggest issue right now, though.

 

[Aunt Angus]

That does look like a pretty bad infestation! Mites are awful because they are so hard to get rid of. I'm so glad you have these birds now.

I'm following!

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Si sorry do they free range? Also are they all infested like that?

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

I have noticed this works well also adding garlic into there food will help much. Incase you want advice...definitely watching.i rescued some like this it also helps to remove everything from coop including chickens and use oil water and and dishsoap

 

[Silkie Princess]

Day 1: December 17th. Moved into the new house. The previous owner didn't let me check on the chickens until we got the keys. Checked on them in the afternoon and basically just sat in their coop and run for a few hours. Changed their feed to what I feed (Purina 20% protein, Flock raiser) and provided them with oyster shells. Removed all of their previous feed and cleaned out the coop as well. They were fed rabbit food and layer feed, looks like the previous owners mixed the two.

Day 2: Hanged out with them for a few hours and checked on the Barred rock because she looked sick. I finally caught her (like I said, they are skittish) and checked on her. We hit our first issue, she is INFESTED with mites and maybe lice. Dusted all 7 of the birds with permethrin dust all the way to the skin. Left them in it for the entire night. So my question would be...what are the bugs on her? (pictures posted below). Anyways, everyone had a lot, but the BR had it the worst. They are in pretty bad shape. Her skin is very flakey too We named her "Festia" because of her infestation and because it the the Christmas season.

I got rid of mites by making a STRONG mite spray out of essential oils. Doesn't matter which ones but lavender is best. The mites die instantly. Good luck!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm glad you are going to be taking care of them!
You are on the right track with using the Permethrin dust on the hens. Repeat the dusting in 7 day intervals.
I know you cleaned out the coop, but did you also treat it with Permethrin? If not, then using a Permethrin spray is a good idea. Why spray? You can purchase Permethrin concentrate which is more economical, spray is much easier to apply to housing since you can get it into the corners, nooks/crannies. I do prefer spray for housing, dust for treating birds, so I keep both forms. (Repeat spraying the coop/housing in 7 day intervals too)

The skin issue is probably from the lice, a little picking/scratching at herself and maybe nutrition.
Again, you are on the right track with the feed. You've have excellent results with vaseline with your other hens, so you can try a thin coating on there to help sooth that or if you have hen healer try that.

How do their legs look?

Follow Carol's (azygous) article on treating the crop. I know you got this!

I look forward to your updates.

 

[Eggcessive]

Good luck in treating the mites. Some mites stay on the chickens day and night, while others are only seen on them at night, hiding in the coop cracks and crevices during the daytime. Straw bales can harbor mites, and some people have brought mites in on those. I read once that chickens will only have either mites or lice, and not both, but I have no proof of that. Apparently one drives the other away. Here are some good articles about lice and mite treatments:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/

https://poultryhealthinspection.ucd...-files/treatment-of-lice-mites-of-poultry.pdf

 

[Eggcessive]

Martins or Gordons Permethrin 10 concentrate is sold in TSC and other feed stores. They are identical, and can be mixed with water according to label instructions for poultry to use in spray bottles and garden sprayers. An 8 ounce bottle sells for under $10, and pints or quarts are also a available. I think the mix is 1:200 for poultry, but check the inside label. Shake it well, since it settles out.