What are the signs of Flees on chicks?

[weloveourchicks]

I was reading some treads about "dusting" your chicks? My chickens are 9 months old and I've never treated them for flees or mites. Whats the first sign they have them? I was petting one of my roos today and pulled back his feathers and saw a couple of little bugs run - should I be concerned? Should I be "dusting" them? If so, what and where do you buy it?

- - Susan

 

[LynneP]

Might be lice- some products you can buy are

Dri-Kill
Sevin

try hardware stores (ag division), tack shops, co-ops, ag supply stores like TSC.
Have some on hand at all times.

Any sign of waxy egg clusters near the vent?

Important you begin treatment immediately.


Either of these products can me mixed with food-grade DE to dust the coop, and as Miss Prissy recommends, the mixture can be placed in the foot of a stocking to make a powder puff to dust under wings and along their bottoms.

You can also add a sand box with the same mixture in the sand for follow-up and future preventive treatment.

Bedding will have to be removed,floor and all cracks and crevices, roosts and platforms treated too and new bedding added, also treated with that mixture.
Go to the Search feature above for comprehensive conversations, and check Pests and Predators Section.
I think there is also a link from the home page to this topis.

 

[weloveourchicks]

wow, I have alot to learn. Thank you for responding.

- - Susan

 

[Poohbear]

Mites will be very small white or cream colored creatures that eat feathers and suck blood from a chicken. You will be able to see the grown mites crawling on the feather shafts. Mite eggs will be clusters of clear or white non-moving larvae along the feather shaft or under the tail feathers. I use a hand magnifying glass (because my eyes aren't what they used to be).

 

[LynneP]

How are you managing Susan? It's tough when things happen on a Sunday and you don't have the supplies...I had a little scare similar to yours but it turned out a hen was picking feathers on herself and going broody. I was lucky enough to have Dri Kill and used as a precaution- helped me to sleep better! Blue Lotion/NoPeck liquids useful to have around, and electrolytes, with and without the antibiotic terramycin...