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

[amroche]

Hi my vet (who is Dutch) told me of a great biological control for mite called Dutchy's, I can find it on a dutch site which is only in German and Dutch and then it appears they dont deliver to Ireland, anyone know of any other online sites where you can buy it?

 

Thanks

Aisling

[Egluntyne]

Have just done some googling and Dutchy's seem to be a predatory mite that easts the redmite, but leaves the chicken alone, Seems to be sold in Europe for caged birds.

[amroche]

Have managed using very bad German understanding (my Dutch is even worse) to order some on this website

 

 

www.refona.nl

 

So I'll let everyone know how I get on !!

Aisling

[Chucky Mama]

I would be a little worried about 'unleashing' another crawlie to kill an existing one. There may be a reason that this is not available in the UK. We have imported various creature into the country over the years that have ended up being a blight.

[Christian]

Haven't had a chance to read through all of the info in German, but have sussed this out so far -

 

* The Dutchy's only work between 15-25C - any lower or higher then shut down. Frost kills them.

 

* Do not add any garlic to the food, as garlic harms the Dutchy's.

 

*The life cycle os around 6 weeks.

 

* Do not use any other chemicals such as (red mote powder etc) when dosing with Ducthy's.

 

That's all I have had a chance to translate. Will look into it more later this week.

[Patricia W]

The fact that it only works between 15 and 20 is probably why we don't have it here - we don't often have a consistently high enough temperature. Keep us posted, Aisling.

 

Tricia

[Redwing]

I am sure I have seen a biological control for mites called something like 'Breck a Prill' but I think I must have the name slightly wrong as nothing comes up when I Google it - I have seen it sold in the UK but dont know if it works

[Christian]

Have found this Tasha -

 

'All Poultry are subject to attack or aggravation from Mites, Litter Beetles and Flies. The brown and white mites – are generally known as RED MITES. This is because they climb onto the bird and literally suck its blood, so turning it red in colour. The birds suffer badly as a consequence, which affects their general health, their egg laying ability and size of egg. It is essential the mites are dealt with. They breed fast and do so in any wet patches which are also warm. These mites can attack Chickens, Bantams, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys and Cage Birds. The birds gain protection when they climb into their nest boxes to lay, or use a dust bath. The heat from the bird causes a mist to rise from the PRILLS which attacks and destroys the mites. The PRILLS should also be sprinkled in any wet patches as well as nest boxes and dust baths and over the floor of their houses, at the rate of 2-3 grams per square metre. The effect they have, depending on their environment, can last from a few days up to two weeks. Then it is wise to spread more PRILLS. It is important to note that the PRILLS also kill fly and litter beetle larvae. This is essential through hot periods (when they come!) as far as common flies are concerned, which spread disease unbelievably fast.'