Treating for the "Bugs"

[Three Stents]

I'm trying to be proactive instead of reactive regarding the pests that chickens can get. I have a bottle of Permethrin to use all around the coop and run prior to the arrival of chickens to kill all bugs onsite. I also have some DE that we use in the garden nearby which will be mixed in the sand bedding and dust bath box. Anything else that should be done? Also, I have an aviary with doves about 6ft from the coop and they have never had any mites/lice for over 20 years. What say you?

 

[fat brown hen]

I have never had an issue with mites. I'm not totally familiar with your climate, but mites seem to thrive in warm, humid conditions. Lice prefer cool, damp conditions. I live in an arid climate. If your doves have never experienced mites/lice, they might not be an issue where you live either.

I don't use permethrin or DE. If you want to be proactive, I'd recommend tight-feathered breeds, give the coop plenty of ventilation so that humidity does not build up, and keep the chickens in good health so they can preen and dust bathe on their own.