Very tiny white bugs?

[Jeffross1968]

I have only a couple chickens, out of 20 adults, who seem to have some very tiny white bugs on their faces. Maybe other places, but only noticed on the face. They seem to dart in and out of the feathers on the face, around the eye. None of the others show any signs. We have DE in coop and sprinkled on the roosts.

What am I likely dealing with here, and how can I rid them from my flock?

 

[dawg53]

I have only a couple chickens, out of 20 adults, who seem to have some very tiny white bugs on their faces. Maybe other places, but only noticed on the face. They seem to dart in and out of the feathers on the face, around the eye. None of the others show any signs. We have DE in coop and sprinkled on the roosts.

What am I likely dealing with here, and how can I rid them from my flock?

Lice. Here's a link to help you identify what type of lice it is and a link how to treat them:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig140
http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html

 

[ladrholman]

well this is convenient... just checking my roo who has become very weak and lost strength in his legs... well he is covered in lice ... I assume.. I know the larger ones are for sure.... have had a few on me while handleing him.. but tonight I noted teeny tiny white bugs crawling on his face, waddles and ears.... I assume on more of his body... but can only see as contrast to the red.... looked further and found the black dots of lice excrement.... could this weakness be from something as small as these.... I assume since he had always slept in a box he may have had more contact.... I know I need to do a thorough clean of the coop... had to wait till spring to arrive... my other girls tend to bath in the ash boxes that we provide... but Rocky never did... sorry for bumping on ... but thanks for asking the question....

 

[klmclain1]

Indeed, they can be the cause of his weakness AND WILL KILL him if not promptly treated.

 

[ladrholman]

i treated him today with a good dusting....

 

[dawg53]

i treated him today with a good dusting....

Dont forget to redust him again in 10 days to kill nits hatched from eggs...the same with his box he slept in.

 

[ladrholman]

I hope I have that chance... feel so bad for the fello..... will certainly clean their coop too. Thanks Dawg.