Sand vs. Deep Litter - Mite Prevention

[DenverQuail]

I currently keep 15 coturnix quail in a 4x8 aviary, which sits on the ground (but the entire bottom is also covered in wire mesh to keep predators out, with a layer of bedding on top). I've been using the deep litter method for the past 8 months and have overall been very happy with it, but I have a recurring problem with scaly leg mites I need to deal with. I assume I am going to need to remove aaallllll the litter (bummer, I just switched it out for the season), clean and spray everything down real thoroughly with pyrethrin, and treat the quail with vaseline and possibly ivermectin before I return them to their cleaned-out coop. I'm wondering if this is a good opportunity to switch my bedding to sand, as some people claim it's better for controlling mites. Does anyone here use sand in their aviaries/coops? What has your experience been like? How easy is it to maintain and clean? Any other suggestions for eradicating the scaly leg mites?

 

[anna-newhampshire]

There is quite a dissertation on the subject of scaly leg mites at the blog Holistic Hen. She uses the herbalist method to cure it. It is an article in three parts, if you don't already know of it, here is the link to the first part:

https://holistic-hen.blogspot.com/2016/06/scaly-leg-and-face-mite-infestations.html#.V1B4Gp6li1E