what age is ok to use mite powder?

[emmz80]

hi all were still pretty new to this and was just wondering at what age we start to use mite powder?
and do we use it regularly or just when they have mites?
many thanks emma xxxx

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I don't like to treat my itty bitties with it unless there is an actual infestation. I start treating maybe when they around 4 months of age, and do it every 2-4 months thereafter since I have had SUCH mite problems in the past.

If you never have had a problem then you might be able to get away with a dust bath of DE, sand, woodstove ashes, and dirt (or some combination thereof) instead of chemical powders.

I would treat the coop periodically as well. If you treat, make sure you toss all shavings/bedding, treat the coop and RETREAT at 7 days for mites and 14 days for lice.