Rescued hen has tiny white bugs. Help

[BigBlueHen53]

In case they are not around, I'll tag @azygous and @aart. I'm still learning who's an authority on what around here! There are so many!​

 

[BigBlueHen53]

No they have little legs and run.

The ones on this hen do?

 

[casportpony]

On my phone, those look like maggots to me. @casportpony, do you see that pic? Do you still think mites? Those look way too big to be mites. What do you advise for maggots?

I can't see them on my tablet.

 

[cbain0432]

The ones on this hen do?

Yes.

 

[cbain0432]

I can't see them in the photo when I look at it either. But these bugs have legs.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Oh I see. Got it, thanks

 

[casportpony]

Read this post by @cmom
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rescued-hen-has-tiny-white-bugs-help.1330028/#post-21707787

 

[azygous]

I would start by giving this hen a proper bath. Use warm water and baby shampoo, wash head to toe, removing all dirt, poop, scum, scabs, and anything else obviously not part of the chicken. Rinse well. Since she's in the shower, I'd wash her there, then wrap her in a big warm towel fresh from the dryer, then finish by blow drying.

This will enable you to see better what you're dealing with, whether or not there are any festering wounds.

 

[cmom]

Treat her ASAP. Pest, whether mites, lice or whatever can kill her. At least give her some relief. If and when you do treat her, treat her under her wings too.

 

[cmom]

Every over-the-counter (OTC) treatment of head lice has been approved by the FDA and contains either pyrethrins (Rid or Triple X) or permethrin (Nix). Both are effective treatment. Both only kill live pests, not eggs.