So how do I do this?

[BigBlueHen53]

Okay, so I got a 2# canister of Permethrin at the feed store yesterday. It says it will treat 100 chickens per lb. I have 23 birds. So I need about a quarter pound to treat all my chickens. Two questions. First, how do I figure what a quarter pound of this powder looks like without pouring into a separate container, and from there, how do I figure how much per bird? And second, how exactly do I get it from the canister onto my chickens' behinds? (Was that three questions?)

Don't answer yet. Of course I'm going to do gloves, goggles and dust mask. And I know to protect food, water and nests. But I can't just flip this can over and do the salt shaker thing, my arms are not strong enough for that. But I also can't see what I'm doing unless my eyes are about two inches from the chicken's butt because I don't see well.

So. Is there another way to do this? Can I put a small amount per hen in my hand (how much?) and pat it onto her fanny while holding her in my other arm? We also have to inspect them first tonight, we haven't done actually done that yet. I do have a nice little head lamp, that is a BIG help. Last night we got them all leg-banded again (some had lost their baby bands).

Oh, and do I need to get the powder ALL OVER each hen, like from neck to vent, between legs, under wings, etc.?

This the first time we've used Permethrin. We've only used DE in the past. So - All suggestions welcome! Thanks.

 

[Roo5]

I prefer the spray it’s faster.Could you get the spray?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The powder was all that was available. Our feed store is in the process of relocating and there wasn't much on the shelves. Spray does sound easier!

 

[Folly's place]

Some folks put the dust in a plastic bag, insert chicken up to her head, and sort of shake everything. I tried it and wasn't pleased, and wasn't wearing the right face mask either. bad news all around!
It's easier with two people, so one can hold the bird while the other person powders it.
Still not fun, but it will work. The directions make it obvious that it doesn't take much dust per bird to be effective, so just do some on each.
Spray is much easier! Also the spray gets into the walls of the coop much better.
Mary

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Some folks put the dust in a plastic bag, insert chicken up to her head, and sort of shake everything. I tried it and wasn't pleased, and wasn't wearing the right face mask either. bad news all around!
It's easier with two people, so one can hold the bird while the other person powders it.
Still not fun, but it will work. The directions make it obvious that it doesn't take much dust per bird to be effective, so just do some on each.
Spray is much easier! Also the spray gets into the walls of the coop much better.
Mary

Thanks. If I'd seen spray I certainly would have gotten it! Note to self: do not use Shake N Bake method on a live chicken.

 

[Shadrach]

Okay, so I got a 2# canister of Permethrin at the feed store yesterday. It says it will treat 100 chickens per lb. I have 23 birds. So I need about a quarter pound to treat all my chickens. Two questions. First, how do I figure what a quarter pound of this powder looks like without pouring into a separate container, and from there, how do I figure how much per bird? And second, how exactly do I get it from the canister onto my chickens' behinds? (Was that three questions?)

Don't answer yet. Of course I'm going to do gloves, goggles and dust mask. And I know to protect food, water and nests. But I can't just flip this can over and do the salt shaker thing, my arms are not strong enough for that. But I also can't see what I'm doing unless my eyes are about two inches from the chicken's butt because I don't see well.

So. Is there another way to do this? Can I put a small amount per hen in my hand (how much?) and pat it onto her fanny while holding her in my other arm? We also have to inspect them first tonight, we haven't done actually done that yet. I do have a nice little head lamp, that is a BIG help. Last night we got them all leg-banded again (some had lost their baby bands).

Oh, and do I need to get the powder ALL OVER each hen, like from neck to vent, between legs, under wings, etc.?

This the first time we've used Permethrin. We've only used DE in the past. So - All suggestions welcome! Thanks.

Have you got a salt or pepper shaker spare?
If so, fill it up with how ever many chicken doses you can fit in it and get shakin!
Under wings, butt and back of neck is what I do.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Have you got a salt or pepper shaker spare?
If so, fill it up with how ever many chicken doses you can fit in it and get shakin!
Under wings, butt and back of neck is what I do.

Thanks, @Shadrach .... so how much per hen? A tablespoon, a teaspoon? A handful? Enough to season a steak? Lol

 

[Shadrach]

Thanks, @Shadrach .... so how much per hen? A tablespoon, a teaspoon? A handful? Enough to season a steak? Lol

I've got to be honest and say I've never measured it out. I just chuck some on in the places mentioned. Probably between a table spoonful and a teaspoonful per fowl.

 

[aart]

Have you got a salt or pepper shaker spare?

Great idea!

Thanks, @Shadrach .... so how much per hen? A tablespoon, a teaspoon? A handful? Enough to season a steak? Lol

Just get some on the skin, it doesn't take much, maybe an 1/8tsp in each spot.
What are you treating lice or mites?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

@aart, we're going to check the birds tonight to see if they need treated at all. I got the Permetherin because we've had chickens for about 8 years and have never treated them with anything but DE. They don't seem to scratch much but we thought we'd better check and then be ready to treat them if they need it. Um .... what should we look for?