What chicks need before going outside?

[Yorkie_and_us]

Hi

My little chicks are my furry (feathery) babies
Soon I can take them outside for few hours/minutes a day. I’m worry they will get red mites, lice or worms
What products should I use before taking them outside?
I started using Vern-X pellets. Just a little a bit once a month. They already had their first dose . I wash their feet every other day as they have feathers To keep them clean. They like it
I’m thinking to use Ivermectin spot on treatment. When they are older. Do you think is good?
They are 23 days old.

 

[Freeloading slacker]

Mites aren't super common especially if you only keep them outside for a short amount of time so it's not something that should be super concerned about but you can add wood ash in a container to help them dust bath in. You can also spray chicken mite spray in their Coop that will prevent it too. But since they are so young I wouldn't be too worried.

 

[Mamatomany123]

You dont treat unless you have a problem. Thats like treating yourself for lice when you have none. It wont prevent it and it's a waste of time.

 

[AngieDawn]

I do provide a sandbox for them to dust themselves. I’ve never had any of the things you talk about but I have used food grade diabolical earth dust in their coop in the summer just to help with flies etc. that can even be put in the sandbox and they will self apply it Lol

Maybe I’m wrong but I thought you only treat for these things if you have them.

 

[Amylynn007]

I would not be washing their feet- they need to build up an immunity to things they come into contact with.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I know they're babies but you're babying them too much. All they need to go out is 1) to be weaned off their heat source, or to have one provided for them in the coop, and 2) a safe space for the day and a draft free place to sleep at night.

I do not pretreat for parasites. Most treatments work only on active infestations. Otherwise you're just dumping chemicals on them for nothing.