What are the symptoms for external parasites?

[LSB1]

What should I be looking for when I check new birds over in terms of lice/mites etc. Also how long should new birds be cut off from the flock?
What is the best method for treating parasites?
Thank you

 

[dawg53]

Here's a link to help you identify external parasites when inspecting your birds:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig140
There are various treatments for external parasites. I prefer sevin dust, it's cheap and very effective.