Question about lice and mites

[Chickiebabyfluff]

Is there a natural way to prevent lice and mites before they become an issue? Is it possible to just treat the flock to prevent this issue? if so what is best to use? Thanks for any advice

 

[krazychick28]

Yes! They sell mite and flea killer for cleaning out chicken coops and spraying down your chickens at farm supplier stores! If the mites have already become an issue, which you can tell by their feet being extra scaly and dirty looking, you rub petroleum jelly on their feet everyday until all the mite dirt comes off.
I had a bad mite problem last year and asked the same question and this really worked

 

[Chickiebabyfluff]

Quote:
awesome!! i will get some today!! ty so much!!

 

[Chickiebabyfluff]

What about Diatomacious Earth is tht something i cana use on like a weekley basis to prevent outbreaks and keep my flock healthy?

 

[2overeasy000]

You can give them a sandbox or DE box. They bathe in it and seems to help.

 

[Anianna]

Quote:
I suggest researching DE before choosing to use it. There is some debate over whether it is effective or not and it produces a fine, breathable dust that can cause lung scarring. Understand proper care before applying it if you choose to use it.

Also, there are reports that incidents of mite infestations are increased with the use of wooden roosts. If you are concerned there are mites in your area or have had recurring infestations already, consider using another material for your roosts.

 

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

Quote:
I suggest researching DE before choosing to use it. There is some debate over whether it is effective or not and it produces a fine, breathable dust that can cause lung scarring. Understand proper care before applying it if you choose to use it.

Also, there are reports that incidents of mite infestations are increased with the use of wooden roosts. If you are concerned there are mites in your area or have had recurring infestations already, consider using another material for your roosts.

What kind of roosts could you suggest? Almost anything I can think of would be slick.

 

[Anianna]

Quote:
I suggest researching DE before choosing to use it. There is some debate over whether it is effective or not and it produces a fine, breathable dust that can cause lung scarring. Understand proper care before applying it if you choose to use it.

Also, there are reports that incidents of mite infestations are increased with the use of wooden roosts. If you are concerned there are mites in your area or have had recurring infestations already, consider using another material for your roosts.

What kind of roosts could you suggest? Almost anything I can think of would be slick.

There is decking material that is not actually wood. It is some kind plastic textured to look like wood. You could roughen up some pvc with sandpaper (in a well ventilated area wearing a dust mask and safety goggles). I would ask in the Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance forum to see if others have any better ideas.

 

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

Thanks,Just found pests on my chickens today.

 

[Anianna]

Quote:
Sorry to hear that. There is some treatment information in the first link in my signature.