Red mite treatment while chickens setting on eggs????

[lilchik]

I have found red mites in my coop and on the chickens. I did research red mite treatment and prevention on BYC posts and found tons of useful information. But didn't find anything on setting hens or newly hatched chicks. Can I treat my coop and chickens while my hens are setting? I estimate the soonest hatch will be 1 to 2 weeks from now. Can I re-treat the coop and chickens (and chicks) in 2 weeks?

If safe, I plan to clean out the coop, apply sevin dust then new wood shavings in the coop, make a sevin dust bath mixed with sand, and would like to apply ivermectin topically or orally.

Any information about the safety of products for the eggs being set on and newly hatched chicks would be greatly appreciated. If I can not use sevin dust and ivermectin at this time, what would you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[tamelroy]

I never had it but I found this post and you can also do a search on this site. Good luck! I wish I could help more my chickens never had them though.

http://forum.backyardpoultry.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7985396

 

[Kiwibird]

A lot of people routinely dust broodies for mites as soon as they sit, because mites can cause them to leave the nest, or can quickly sap the energy of newly hatched chicks, placing them at risk. I guess it depends on the products available to you.

I have dusted a broody with newly hatched chicks, as once she emerged from her shady nest into the sun I could see the mites running around on her feathers. I dusted the hen and figured enough would rub off her onto the chicks to treat them, and the theory seemed to work. It was a no-name (and almost no instruction) mite powder at my local pet store that they said they use for far smaller and frailer birds, so should be OK with chicks. Those chicks are now at point of lay and seem fine.

I had never used mite powder before. This delightful hen flicked the powder off and into my face and eyes. The few instructions warned against skin contact so I jumped in the shower and also ran water through my eyes (ouch) and I am pleased to say that I haven't died yet. If dusting a feisty broody, I would recommend a mask after that little experience!