What is wrong with my 4 month old Silkie?

[M@M@2four]

Quote:
I have had chickens for years and have used Sevin and never had problems/complications from it. It is the food grade Sevin, so it is pretty mild. I do use DE as well, but the Sevin just works on contact. Yes, Vaseline or any petroleum type of base will work! Good luck!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Where do you find food grade sevin? I've never heard of it. Also should chickens be dusted even if I haven't seen any lice or mites?

 

[Suzie]

Good point Miss Lydia,

I have dusted my chickens and haven't seen any mites yet (and I do have good vision) but to me it is important for me to do what I can to prevent my Silkie chick from dying so I will do what I can - I don't have much experience so am dependent on others for their suggestions and the responses are mainly that it appears to be a mite infestation - she looks pathetic - and the back of her neck is really scabby - I still don't know whether or not to put some vaseline on the scabs to try and prevent infection - she worries me as she appears disorientated at times and her head jerks about - I will continue with observing her and inspecting for these mites, does anyone have any idea as to how often I dust her and the others?

Thanks

Suzie

 

[chasehope]

If it is mites, you cant SEE the mites themselves. All that you can see is the mess that they leave behind. You will see scaley scabby areas, and usually the skin looks crusty. the mites are REALLY small and get in under the skin and crust.

 

[Suzie]

Thanks!

I read on some of the comments that the mites can be seen on the body - so I could be looking for something invisible - now this is beginning to make sense, I am glad that I have treated my chickens, do you know how often I should treat them? The powder here (not Sevin) says every 10 days.

Suzie

 

[chasehope]

lice can be seen with the naked eye mites cant.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Suzie, I believe it is in 10 days or 2 weeks I read it on the forum somewhere. Still should I treat for pests even if I don't see them?

 

[Suzie]

Hi Miss Lydia,

I would treat for pests, as apparently mites live under the skin so cannot be seen - better to be on the safe side, as I understand it lice/mites can kill and as my Silkie is only 4 months old I consider her to be very vulnerable - she is a mess but hopefully she will pull through - her Mum and Sister look great but they have been treated as have the rest of my flock.

I have also treated their "house", they join the main flock in the day but live with their Silkie Mum at night - I monitor their feeding and they are all eating and drinking well - I removed their feed and waterer from the house before I sprayed it.

I will treat again in 10 days - thanks for the info.

Good luck with your problem!

Suzie

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks Suzie! I have already sprayed the chicken and ducks house but will wait till they are all in tonight before spraying them. I have noticed a few scratching even though I haven't seen anything, I am now paranoid. My chickens and ducks are my pets so want them to be as healthy as possible as I'm sure you do by your post. Hope your Silkie gets to feeling great real soon!