bluekarin Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Hi all, I was wondering if someone can help me. This morning I noticed some very small black bugs on top of the chickens house and the plastic roof of their run. They are shiny black with very fine legs (I think 6 plus 2 antennae) and look a bit like small ladybirds, but all black, and as far as I can tell, no wings. I have done a thorough check inside their house and nesting box and can't find any in there. I checked the end of the roosting bar (not that they every use it) and got a paintbrush into any crevices to see if there are any in there - none as far as I can tell. On top of their run they have clear plastic corrugated roofing. As its under a tree, it collects quite a few bits of tree debris, and when I moved a bit there were more of these black bugs. I have collected a few of these little things in a pot with an envelope on top. I have tried taking a photo, but the macro function on my camera won't get a enlarged enough picture. I have a microscope, which can be hooked up to the computer, so I shall try that later on. Meanwhile, if anyone knows what these things are, and if I should panic please let me know! Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Sounds like 'bugs' rather than parasites to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Thunder bugs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelope Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 If they are tiny & shiney then they sound like they might be flea beetle.........no problems for the chooks but not so good for your veg!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted June 18, 2010 Author Share Posted June 18, 2010 Thank you Thunder bugs are too long and flexible so its not those. I think they are probably some sort of beetle, but I shall give it a good cleaning with Poultry shield just to be sure. I think Daisy has some lice, so I shall be treating her soon. Thanks again. Edit : just checked flea beetles, and its not them either, as they don't jump when you disturb them. I wonder what they are? hmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Problem is there are a LOT of black bugs it could be!! What shape are they? Round/Oval/Long? Do they have a 'shell' like a beetle or are they 'soft' like an ant? Any markings or unusual features? Do you feed live mealworm? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
