Winter Mites!!! Help!!

[Lalo Rolon]

I had a major outbreak of mites (or maybe lice). I have cleaned the coop, dusted with DE, sprayed with Permethrin. Maybe I’m doing it all wrong, but I checked a few hens and the mites haven’t died. I am frustrated and in need of some friendly advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Did you use permethrin on the chickens? How long have you been dealing with it? You also need to reapply the permethrin at least once within 7 days (I believe). I would do it again if it's severe.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Stop using DE it doesn't work as people claim.

I recommend a pyrethrin based poultry dust. I haven't used the spray ever. I use the dust and it kills.

Get a chicken by it's feet with it's chest resting on something, ground or table, and sprinkle the dust on all over. Make sure to get under the wings and on the vent. Best to wear a dust mask. After dusting rub it in with a gloved hand.

Dust all roost cracks and in the nestboxes under the bedding. Repeat weekly for 3-4 weeks.

One treatment will only kill the current adults, you need repeated treatments to kill the hatching eggs. Mites will live in cracks in your coop. Wild birds can re-infest your flock.

A good dust bath area will help the chickens keep control of their own external parasites. A few mites can be normal.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

When I dusted mine, I used a panty hose stocking and filled it with the permethrin dust. Held the chicken close and patted them down - under wings and vent area. I also wore a mask and took a shower once finished.

 

[Lalo Rolon]

How often is too often to treat? Do I need to wait a certain amount of time between treatments?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How often is too often to treat? Do I need to wait a certain amount of time between treatments?

I would do it weekly, but you can do it as often as you want I would think. You need to continue the treatments for 2-3 weeks, and even longer sometimes to break the life cycle.

 

[Lalo Rolon]

Hopefully, my continued effort works. Thanks!!

 

[Lalo Rolon]

I checked the chickens today, and I didn’t find any living mites!! I ended up using the permethrin spray, and I will continue using it weekly to keep these nasty creatures away. Thanks for the help!!