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

[Heidi-Hi]

Hi all, I have a chicken (Maran) that I just can't rid of lice. She gets it so bad that sometimes the eggs create hard little balls around the base of the feathers. I have had to cut feathers away before. I powder her every two weeks. It seems to go better for a bit, but by the end of two weeks, they are back. Out of my 10 chickens she is the only one where this is happenning...I have had her for a year now and she has never laid for me. She is about two years old, beautiful condition (apart from the lice ). lovely red comb etc. Any ideas? I just can't seem to win on this one. Any advice welcome, thanks.

[Egluntyne]

I'd suggest Ivermectin *Not licensed for use on poultry in UK

[witzend]

probably a stupid question - but how come we can use/get things that aren't licenced in the uk?

[Egluntyne]

It just means that the appropriate testing and licensing hasn't been done for use in poultry. The products are available for use in other species.

 

These things are in common usage, but we have to put the appropriate rider if they get a mention.

[witzend]

cheers!

[Heidi-Hi]

I see they say two drops for a pigeon. Would I do that for my big chickens too? Maybe 1 drop for my silkies?

[PeckyBeak]

The dosage of two drops is based on a pigeons weight of around 500 grams, so you need to dose your chooks according to their weight. For example a 2kg hen would need 8 drops. I am assuming that you are using the lower dose ivermectin not the 1% one.

Don't forget that there will be an egg withdrawal period.

[Heidi-Hi]

Thanks for all the advice!

[meezers]

I use the Johnsons spray for caged birds with the blue label. A couple of sprays does the trick but you have to repeat it a week later to deal with the eggs.

[Heidi-Hi]

There is not a lot that really gross me out, but those grey hard balls is sooooo disgusting, and I feel so ashamed that one of my chickens is suffering with it. It feels like I don't look after her properly, but I just can't seem to get rid of them on her. All the other girls are totally clear. I just don't get it... Yuck yuck yuck, major de-licing project this weekend... Also want to blitz the house - no sign of red mite yet, but I know it is just a matter of time. I bought one of those DE puffer things this week. It looks good, I am looking forward to try it out in the house!