Topic of the Week - Lice and Mites - Prevention and Treatments

[Folly's place]

I've never had to treat for scaly leg mites, and can't imagine applying anything to 48 pairs or chicken legs several times to treat them, either. I'd go with the spray, on their legs, while roosting, as a much more user friendly approach. If an actual poultry expert tells me ahead of time that it won't work, I would listen. hope it never becomes an issue here! Mary

 

[Teila]

I think this is a good time to mention that just because something works and is easier, quicker or cheaper it is not necessarily the best, kindest or safest course of action.

 

[Folly's place]

So true! However, safety and less stress for everyone makes a lot of sense to me. Gasoline? Multiple baths and leg scrubbing? Tea tree oil? Not so much. Mary

 

[Egghead_Jr]

We provide a dust bath filled with wood ash that's placed under the raised coop.. That's all the preventative care we've needed to date. Will there come a time when I have an infestation that requires medication? Probably. It hasn't happened yet. Highly advise large proportion DE or ash to sand in dust bath, or pure ash for preventative care.

 

[poodlechicks]

I went ahead and started the leg soaks and Vaseline. There was some improvement already, but today she got killed by a hawk.
I usually lock them up in the coop and this time of the year because fall is the time they visit my backyard the most. Probably because I'm not there gardening everyday. I let them out for a little while in the late afternoon. I go in the house for half an hour and that hawk gets my favorite hen

 

[Teila]

I went ahead and started the leg soaks and Vaseline. There was some improvement already, but today she got killed by a hawk.
I usually lock them up in the coop and this time of the year because fall is the time they visit my backyard the most. Probably because I'm not there gardening everyday. I let them out for a little while in the late afternoon. I go in the house for half an hour and that hawk gets my favorite hen

Aaaaw, poodlechicks I am so very sorry to read of your loss

 

[poodlechicks]

Aaaaw, poodlechicks I am so very sorry to read of your loss   

Thank you so much

She was my assisted hatch. Very sweet.
I guess I'll be letting the girls out only when I can stay right there with them. They won't like it, but better than the other option

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry! It's often a favorite who leaves early, very sad. Mary

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Subscribing so I don't lose track of this thread. I have a question...will ask with a fresh brain.

 

[casportpony]

I went ahead and started the leg soaks and Vaseline. There was some improvement already, but today she got killed by a hawk.
I usually lock them up in the coop and this time of the year because fall is the time they visit my backyard the most. Probably because I'm not there gardening everyday. I let them out for a little while in the late afternoon. I go in the house for half an hour and that hawk gets my favorite hen

Sorry for your loss.