I have a broody hen and 6 chicks (there were 8 but 2 died) and MITES. Since two chicks had died I decided to give broody and the remaining chicks ivermectin as a quick ditch effort. I got rid of all the bedding and I did put new mats in the lay boxes after I doused them with the permethrin. I have not replace the bedding yet. I started with DE, and obviously I know a lot of people are against it but I had it on hand so I used it. I also had the permethrin on hand so I diluted it as per the instructions and it didn't seem to be doing anything, so then I diluted it less and it doesn't seem to be eradicating the problem either. I believe they are northern fowl mites because they are out during the day and they are a grey color. I am finding them all over the outside of the nest boxes, not on the eggs from the other chickens anymore but I'm pretty sure my broody and the temp drop in CA has exacerbated the problem. I am really not trying to buy Elector but I think it might be time. My broody girl has a very light comb and wattles so im wondering if she's becoming anemic but she doesn't have any patches of feathers missing and her feathers aren't dark and nasty like in the pictures I've seen. I checked her vent as much as I could without stressing her and the chicks too much and I can see a few mites running around but no eggs, but maybe I'm checking the wrong areas? I just need an idea of what to do next or something. My broody and the chicks have been out of the nest for 3 days. But obviously go back in at night time. Maybe I just need to wait it out?
