should I treat for prevention of 'couties' ?

[chick-e-chick]

A friend (who doesn't have chickens!) and has just met out 12 week old chicks says we should dust them to prevent couts (spelling?). Should we? or just treat it if they catch them? I don't want to be covering them with powder if it's not necessary.

Any opinions?

 

[Chirpy]

I personally never treat anything that doesn't exist yet. I don't think cooties actually exist anywhere?! However, lice and mites and some other little buggers do exist so...

Having said that I am also proactive and use DE (food grade only) and sprinkle it on the floor of the coop and in the nest boxes and occasionally over their feed to help prevent said cooties from possibly appearing. Some people sprinkle it in their livestock - I'm thinking of doing that this summer myself.

So, I think I just contradicted myself... I do treat for potential cooties but only by using DE which is harmless and helpful and not chemicals.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I personally never treat anything that doesn't exist yet. I don't think cooties actually exist anywhere?!

Oh but they do exist!!!! Just ask any little boy who has just been hugged or (OH MY) kissed by a little girl!!!! Cooties are real!!!! Fear the evil cooties!!!

As for treating coooties on chickens, I would just dust the friend who insinuated my chickens had cooties and be done with it.