4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[craftyhunnypie]

Hi - as I'm picking up my new girls tomorrow & someone who had 3 from the same lady discovered lice on theirs - I'm taking precautions.

I have diatom & red mite powder... but what would be the best treatment & best thing to buy if I discover them on my new girls?

 

Emma.x

[The Dogmother]

Those are only opreventatives Emma, see my thread at the top of chicken clinic; plenty of info there on what to buy and use.

 

The best thing you can do is to use a regular preventative.

[craftyhunnypie]

I'm just a bit concernned if they have already got them - how can I treat them. I've already got some Johnson's lice spray for pigeons ( don't ask) - would it be alright to use on the chickens?

 

Emma.x

[The Dogmother]

As you'll see from the numerous threads on this, the Johnson's spray isn't licensed for use on poultry in the UK, but most vets recommend it. Have a browse around the forum; there are numerous, very helpful threads on parasites.

 

I don't think I'd buy from a breeder whose hens had lice; it brings their general husbandry and breeding controls into question.

[Jools]

Please don't forget to quarantine your new birds away from your existing flock. It's always a good idea to do this for at least a week, if not two, only introducing them once you're sure they have a clean bill of health. It might not be just lice they bring with them!

 

I'd definitely recommend using either diatom or red mite powder for your existing hens as it's much easier to prevent an infestation of anything than it is to get rid of it. Whatever you decide to use on your new birds, it will certainly help to also use either the diatom or red mite powder under and on their bedding and in their dust bath.

 

I agree about being careful where you buy from. Give them a very thorough going over before you agree to take them to make sure they don't have visitors and don't be afraid to walk away empty handed.

[Plum]

I sprayed mine with Johnsons as soon as I got home. You have to forget the eggs for 3 days but I can't remember if your new ones will be laying. (hope I haven't broken any rules saying this ) If they have any lice then you have to retreat in a week(?).

[The Dogmother]

I always quarantine new birds for a week, treating them for lice and worms in that time.

[craftyhunnypie]

Thank you. I will assess the birds of course. I'll make sure they are bright eyed & pecking around happily. No discharge from nostrils - common sense stuff. I will also check how they have been kept too. I know what I'm looking for, as regards any mites / lice. I don't even know if they have them - but I'm being very cautious.

I do have temporary accomodation if needed.

 

Emma.x

[chelsea]

Johnsons spray worked fab for us when Ella had lice.

[Redwing]

I thought that Diatom was a treatment not just a preventative?

[craftyhunnypie]

Well I'm off soon to collect them. Put some easi chick in the box, along with a bit of powder mixed in. I have Johnson's spray ready just in case. I am very excited!

 

Emma.x

[Jools]

I thought that Diatom was a treatment not just a preventative?

 

I believe it is. Barrier say their Red Mite powder (used in accordance with the label) is a treatment too. They're the treatments used in organic set ups.

[The Dogmother]

I thought that Diatom was a treatment not just a preventative?

 

Neither that , nor the red mite powder actually kill lice. They do deter them though.

 

Theer have been documented reports of lice and mites still alive actually 'in' both powders. They are very useful in an organic set up though.

[Jools]

To be fair, you can find anecdotal evidence on the internet for just about anything these days. Whatever works for you is what's best IMHO - nothing beats first hand experience.

 

It is interesting how a deterrent actually deters though. For example, Diatom dries out mites and lice, causing them to die, so in preventing, it does actually kill. So is it a deterrent or does it kill? I think both is the answer, though you may disagree.

 

As an aside, for those who prefer the chemical route, stock up on Netex's Mite Kill as its approval has been withdrawn for amateur use. Once the shelves are cleared, suppliers won't be able to restock until the manufacturers have tested the offending ingredient.

[Redwing]

Thanks Jools, thats worth knowing - love that stuff!