Quick question

[Chickenheadmate]

So today I left my FCM out to freerange and saw the pullets dust bathing in the same spot my other flock uses.

I was concerned because the other day I saw tiny white little bugs on my leghorn (if you know what they are please let me know) and was wondering if they could get on my BCM if they share the same spot.

Could I "treat" the dust bath dirt?
Or something I could just treat both flocks with. Thanks

 

[Helloworld]

Lice? Got pic of bug?

 

[chuckachucka]

Whatever the bugs are, they will spread from bird to bird if they use the same dustbathing area yes. If you confirm parasites on any chicken you will have to treat everyone unless they have been kept totally separate. You could put DE in the dustbath dirt but a lot of people are against the use of DE. Otherwise it depends on what kind of bugs they are as to how to treat.

 

[Chickenheadmate]

Lice? Got pic of bug?

The camera on my phone is terrible. Probably won't capture it

 

[Chickenheadmate]

What's DE?

Whatever the bugs are, they will spread from bird to bird if they use the same dustbathing area yes. If you confirm parasites on any chicken you will have to treat everyone unless they have been kept totally separate. You could put DE in the dustbath dirt but a lot of people are against the use of DE. Otherwise it depends on what kind of bugs they are as to how to treat.

 

[Mrs. K]

do a search on here of different types of poultry parasites, and then check them all.

 

[Helloworld]

We use this.

 

[aart]

Whatever the bugs are, they will spread from bird to bird if they use the same dustbathing area yes. If you confirm parasites on any chicken you will have to treat everyone unless they have been kept totally separate.

Ditto Dat^^^

We use this.

Can't find info on what's in this....other than 'essential oils'.

ES and DE are ineffective to eradicate an infestation.
Plain old dirt in the dust bath is enough for prevention.
Permethrin dust or spray works well if applied properly for the pests in question.

Could I "treat" the dust bath dirt?

It's better to treat the birds directly...but first....

Check them over real well for mites and/or lice.

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed roost mites).

 

[Helloworld]

 

[aart]

View attachment 1553852

Ah, thanks!
My curiosity was killing me, couldn't find a label pic clear enough to read.
Clove oil might help repel insects, but I doubt it would kill bugs unless directly applied in large quantity so oils clog abdomen trachea.