Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Porky]

Dear Forum,

 

I'm puzzled - can anyone help identify the odd things crawling over my hens.

 

They are about 2mm long and look like mini silverfish (beige in colour). Mainly in the bottom third of the feathers and not on the skin. Most prolific around the back of the neck. they move reasonably quickly but dont do the flea 'jump'. They don't seem to match the descriptions or photos of lice or mites. Any clues on diagnosis or treatment.

 

The hens seem fine and not bothered......

 

Thanks,

 

Nick (Manchester UK)

[jellykelly]

No idea - But I'd be inclined to spray the chickens with johnsons anti mite and hope that it kills the wee beasties.

 

Urgh - I hate creepy crawlies.

[Egluntyne]

Sound like lice to me. I'd go for the anti mite too.

[Porky]

Thanks people,

 

Just been to the farm supplies shop and bought a big tub. Dusted all over. Lets see how things go....

 

Nick

[Tutti Frutti]

Wonder if they are feather lice? Do they look like this?

 

ughhhh! We've had a problem with something similar so the girls have all been dusted and the house/drinkers cleaned with Virkon S and sprayed with Mite Kill

[Porky]

Feather mites - that's the little monsters.

 

Thanks for the indentication - lets get them wiped...

 

Nick