Worms & Lice & a Very Sick Bird

[Aunt Angus]

Oh no! So much sad news! I'm so sorry....

Probably red poultry mites. Ivermectin should treat them. You'll need to empty the coop of bedding and clean the heck out of it. Most recommend burning the bedding, but you can double bag it. You can spray down the coop with permethrin - esp in cracks, under roosts, any crevices. You will have to treat monthly for a few months.

Mites can cause anemia and can kill chickens if you have a bad infestation, and it sounds like you might.

 

[Aunt Angus]

View attachment 2222042

Wait! This looks like a clover mite - not harmful, just annoying.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Google both red poultry mite and clover mite. See if you can figure out which you have... if either

 

[LydiaK]

I can't tell but I really, really, really hope they're clover mites!!!!

 

[LydiaK]

Side question: Now that I've lost 2 birds but my birds are carriers, will adding more birds in a month or two just start this whole cycle over again? Do I have to wait until these birds are gone now???

 

[Folly's place]

I didn't see where you had any testing done; carriers of what, if anything? If you have MG or MS out there, every new bird will get infected, and it will be a constant round of illness/ meds, illness/ meds. If it's not Mycoplasma, that would be wonderful, and you need to know! Other diseases happen too, and carriers for life can be an issue.
Find out what is or isn't there, as far as that respiratory problem is concerned. The parasites are an easier problem to deal with.
Mary

 

[Aunt Angus]

I didn't see where you had any testing done; carriers of what, if anything? If you have MG or MS out there, every new bird will get infected, and it will be a constant round of illness/ meds, illness/ meds. If it's not Mycoplasma, that would be wonderful, and you need to know! Other diseases happen too, and carriers for life can be an issue.
Find out what is or isn't there, as far as that respiratory problem is concerned. The parasites are an easier problem to deal with.
Mary

X2! I hope it's nothing serious, but the only way to know is to get them tested.