We bought some Cochin hens today, and when we were in the car with them on the way home, we noticed these little spot things on their faces...What are the little spot/sore things on their faces & combs? Also, we noticed they have mites and lice, and Honestly, I think all of our chickens do, how should we get rid of the mites? We have lots of different pens and coops. One more question: Why do the Cochins butts have poo on their feathers around the vent? Should we be worried about it? How do we fix it? Thanks so much! I really love our new hens
They have puffy eyes, there are lots of good articles on the article section about getting rid of mites and lice. Fluffy butted birds will have some poop, as long as it is not execcive amounts.
Yeah, pretty sure that's what those are. https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-parasites/stickfast-fleas-control-and-eradication
They look like scabs - on the combs, it's likely from picking. Around they eyes...could be from scratching them. The eyes do look a bit puffy. You are going to quarantine these newbies for a few weeks, as far away from your existing flock(s) as possible correct? I have no idea why the Cochin's butt feathers have poop. Could be she has so much fluff the poop sticks. I would wash her up really well and inspect the vent to see if there is any discharge or vent gleet. You did notice lice/mites on them? Treat them with a Permethrin based poultry spray or dust. If you other chickens have them, treat them as well. Clean out bedding and treat the pens too. Repeat in 7-10 days a couple of times to kill any that hatch out. Since it sounds like you have quite a few birds and pens to treat, it would probably be most cost effective to buy Permethrin concentrate, a sprayer for the housing and a spray bottle to treat individual birds. Another option would be to use Elector PSP (Spinosad), I have never used it, it's pricey, but I hear it's very effective.