What is the best way to dust a chicken

[johnnyjack]

Quote:
hey rr why is that could it be bad .. i use 7 dust.and what is this de stuff?? iv always just used the 7 dust

 

[Cocky]

The best way I have found is to take a pair of the wifes old hose and cut out half of a leg, fill it with dust, and then pat the chickens down with it while they are sleeping.

You can put on gloves and ruffle it into your feathers yourself if you want to spread it out more. but the wife and I realized if we left a small amount on their backs between the shoulders/wings it did the job fine.

Oh, and dont forget to dust all around the pen, in the laying boxes, and in the hen house.

 

[paganfish]

Quote:
Yup! This way seems to work best for me. I use an old sock (clean) and just pat the chickens real good. I used DE so I don't worry about it too much but I imagine if you use a chemical you have to be real careful that they don't get it in their eyes, mouth or nasal cavities.

 

[seminolewind]

Thanks, this was really a serious question. I hear you're supposed to dust the vent area good. I wonder what position I have to hold the chicken in for that?

 

[Cocky]

Our flock recently had a bad case of lice (almost lost our roo bfore we figured out why). When we treated them we just put it on their backs between their wings, and then we ruffled it into their feathers a little. When they hopped down they would ruffle their feathers some more (later we realized it was easier to do it while they slept), and it got rid of all the lice. We never had to put on them anywhere else (and this was a really bad case).

Just remember, the first time you do it: Do it for 3-5 days straight EVERY DAY. then do it again once every 10 days or so for atleast 30 days. After that you do not have to continue, but the wife and I did it four 40 days or so I think. This way you kill the initial infestation, and any eggs that hatch later.

 

[Wildsky]

I just dump some DE into their run, where their little dust bath areas's are..... they dust it in themselves... and have fun doing it!

 

[seminolewind]

Thanks, I guess I will have to lay them on their backs and dust too. Thanks for the advice, I will be treating several times , Cocky, like you said. I know I want to get the hatching lice too. This whole thing is so gross. I can't even pick them up and hold them.

 

[Wildsky]

You can also buy powder shaker thingies. I have a couple for my DE - if you squeeze the powder will puff out - perhaps that would be a good way to get the vent area.