Should I treats with 7 dust even if the girls don't have mites?

[Maryallison77]

:| Hi there everyone! I am new to all this so I am learning! I have been reading up on the mites and lice. My oldest hens are 3 1/2 months old and the younger girls are just 7 weeks. It is safe to go ahead and use the 7 dust? Should I check each chicken or just go ahead and dust them all? And do I dust the entire chicken or just under the wings? And I guess I am concerned with the fact that I will sprinkle it on the ground and then my girls will peck the ground.....Is that ok?

Thanks in advance. I appreciate the help! I already got the 7 dust from my local feed store.

And 1 more question??? Can us humans get the lice and mites from the chickens??? Kinda icky....

Thanks

 

[arlee453]

I only treat when/if I see signs of mites. Mites and other insect pests are becoming resistent to pesticides just like worms & wormers, and bacterial infections & antibiotics.

They get the mites from wild birds, so it makes sense that they will get them from time to time, but I only treat when I see actual signs of mites.

I do a mite inspection of the girls about every 4-6 weeks or so.

Mites will go from the chickens onto humans, but humans aren't their preferred host and they won't live for long or reproduce on humans.

Mites and lice are pretty species specific.

 

[Maryallison77]

Thanks!