Tiny little bugs crawling up my arm-yuck

[Firecracker]

Came out of the coop this morning and had tiny-itty-bitty little bugs crawling up my arms. Didn't even know it til I felt the crawling sensation. What are they and what should I do? I love my chickens, but I don't want these things crawling all over me.

 

[bakerjw]

Probably lice or mites. I would treat the chickens with Sevin and get some DE to use in the coops.

 

[Firecracker]

Hey, thanks. What is DE, and Sevin won't hurt the chicks?? I have hydrated lime. Can I treat the coop with that??

 

[bakerjw]

DE is diatomaceous earth. It has to be food grade or it will be harmful.

Do a search here on Sevin. There are some kinds that are safe and others that are harmfu.

Not sure about the lime. It can be caustic so I would avoid it.

 

[Firecracker]

Sorry to be such a dummy, but where can I get DE. Co-op, tractor supply??

 

[rungirl]

I think DE is more for prevention and there are issues with that too, but you need Sevin dust to kill the bugs. You can get it in the garden section. Put some in an old stocking and dust the infested birds all over, under, and under their wings. Change the bedding in the coop and sprinkle some on the floor before you add new bedding. Retreat them in 10 days to prevent a reinvestation. It won't hurt the chickens.