What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[The Dogmother]

Yes, you need to spray it on the skin around the vent and under the wings, repeat this after a week. Try holding the hen upside down on your lap (bottom facing away from you for obvious reasons).

 

I don't ever measure it out, I just spray enough to cover those areas.

[superkitty]

I wondered whether the Mite Guru would answer - thanks Fairy Dogmother

 

Right, just got a client conference call to get out of the way and then off to get my chicken clothes on and spray upside-down chickens . Good job I work from home...if only my business clients knew of my glamorous double life...

[superkitty]

Just did their second 'go' with the Anti Mite spray. I'm really struggling to get hold of the Ivomec Eprinex - my vet isn't keen to prescribe 'off label' There is a poultry vets who I spoke to who is about an hours' drive away from me, but when I spoke to her she said she wouldn't normally prescribe that either - she'd prescribe the Xeno 450 (which I already have!)

 

Any suggestions?

 

Oh and also, has anyone heard of this Poultry Protector Spray? I was wondering whether it might be worth using as a supplementary preventative treatment to the Ivomec (when I eventually manage to get hold of some, which I'm determined to do!)

 

I also got some Louse Powder which has permethrin in it. Will it be ok to mix some in with their dustbath (which they use every day and which currently has compost, aquarium sand and lots of diatom in it) or is there a danger of them eating some of it (as they use their beaks to hoik the mixture over their feathers) and I should just stick to putting a bit on the floor and seams of the Eglu?

[Egluntyne]

To be honest, I wouldn't bombard them with too many chemicals. Just stick to the one thing at a time, and use some diatom in the bedding.

[Chucky Mama]

Things described as a " supplementary preventative treatment" basically means that it contains nothing medical and is usually of no use. Vets are not allowed to prescribe 'off license' if there is 'no reasonable alternative'. This is why you vet wont prescribe it. You will be able to buy Ivermectin Drops online intended for rabbits and large birds (not poultry). Using anything like this for a species other than those intended obviously carries a risk and you will have to observe an egg withdrawal period and you have no come back should things go pear shaped. I agree that you need to use one medication as prescribed. Blanket bombing with a number of products not only overloads their system but also leaves you unaware of which product has actually done the job.

[superkitty]

I was just planning to use the ivomec once a quarter as a preventative - someone else recommended that it was the best. That way I figured I wouldn't have to use anything else other than the diatom in the dustbath and an occasional sprinkle of the louse powder in the eglu. Wasn't planning to 'blanket bomb' them, dont worry Just trying to figure out what the most effective way to prevent them is, so that my poor girls don't have to go through the bathing and spraying process again. Although actually they both seemed to like the bath! (I didn't - very labour-intensive!!) Thanks for the advice though, it's worth remembering!

[superkitty]

I'm really sorry to post again on this lengthy thread, but was just looking for a bit of advice..again

 

So far (after I first discovered mites on Constance weeks ago) I have treated both girls with Xeno 450. This was when I went to the vet (without Constance) and before I got any advice from the forum. No dice - nothing seemed to change.

 

Then I got some really useful advice from the forum, so off I went and bought all the stuff (apart from the Ivomec Eprinex - I'm waiting for that to arrive) and started treating them. I bathed Constance (the one with all the mites) with dog shampoo, then treated both of them (even though I couldn't find any on Augusta) with the Johnsons Anti Mite Spray. Then I nuked the Eglu with the power washer, covered up two holes I found (one in the door, one in the roof) with gaffer tape in case there was anything hiding inside, then sprayed it all with the permethrin spray. I then did the permethrin spray in the Eglu again 4 days later.

 

The following weekend, there were still a few mites under the roosting bars when I next checked so I did the whole Eglu again, with Poultry Shield this time. Then with the permethrin spray. Then in the week I bathed BOTH girls in the dog shampoo (on the Tuesday) and then treated them with the Anti Mite spray again (on the Saturday - I wanted to space it out a bit so I wasn't bombarding them with pesticides)

 

This Saturday I STILL found a few mites (about 5 or 6 - a couple inside the ridge to the egg door and the rest under the roosting bars) so I went through the whole performance with the Eglu again, and have treated it all again. But worse than that, there are still crawlies on Constance!

 

They're nowhere near as bad as they were when I first discovered it, when her poor vent was all scabby and sore - now it looks nice and clean and pink...but I still saw a couple of little crawlies mooching around there.

 

What should I do? The girls have been bathed twice and treated with the Anti Mite spray three times now, the Eglu has been done three times as well - and I can't seem to eradicate them completely, and I can't figure out why! If they're red mite rather than northern fowl mite, I can't figure out where they're hiding - because they hide in the house rather than on the bird, don't they? There were two holes in the Eglu and I've covered those up. Then there are the sort of seam-y bits that go along the front (where the screws are) and they have been totally nuked with the permethrin spray. Then I always put diatom down them as well. They have diatom on the floor of the Eglu, mixed with a little bit of louse powder (this is under the roosting bars) and also mixed in with the Aubiose in their nestbox. They also have diatom mixed in with their dirtbath (which is a big plastic crate full of dry compost and sand, with the diatom as well).

 

I've seen mention of people going out with a torch at night-time to try and find redmite, so am going to do that - but where am I looking? Am I looking on Constance to see if she has them on her? Or in the Eglu itself to see them crawling around?

 

Does anyone know of any other hideyholes for red mite in an Eglu mark 2 that I am missing? I feel like I'm really letting my girls down by not being able to get rid of the mites, but I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I must be doing SOMETHING wrong, surely?!

 

Could someone shed any light for me? Any and all advice would be gratefully welcomed

[The Dogmother]

You're doing well so far in reducing the mites. There are two products that I'd recommend for getting rid of lice and mites in the housing - wash/spray it with Total Mite Kill Concentrate, then powder it with Buz Busters - this seems to work very well.

[superkitty]

I just wish I could figure out where they were all hiding!! Am going to go and have a look with a torch when they're asleep. Do I need to look around her vent (which means I'll have to pick her up) or just along her back? Or should I be able to see them in the Eglu, if it's still infested?

 

Are Total Mite Kill concentrate and Buz Busters different from Poultry Shield and the Battles Louse powder? Those are the things (along with the Diatom and the Johnsons Anti Mite) that I've been using so far. Also the Johnsons Poultry Housing spray.

 

Are mites etc. just going to be something that's always around in the Eglu/on the chickens and all I can hope to do is keep the numbers down? Or do I stand a chance of getting rid of them entirely? Although she's feeding/scratting/yelling for food/preening normally at the moment, Constance is much paler in the face than Augusta, (who is reddening up nicely and starting to grow wattles) and I just worry that she's going to be at a disadvantage or miserable if I don't get rid of them entirely!

 

Should I keep spraying her with the Johnsons once a week while I can still see them on her? or do i risk overdosing her?

[The Dogmother]

Are Total Mite Kill concentrate and Buz Busters different from Poultry Shield and the Battles Louse powder? Those are the things (along with the Diatom and the Johnsons Anti Mite) that I've been using so far. Also the Johnsons Poultry Housing spray.

 

They both contain Permethrin, so will kill the mites/lice.

 

I'd check the hen's general health as they tend to home in on poorly birds.

[superkitty]

So for the last few weeks I've been doing the weekly spray with the Johnsons AntiMite and washing the Eglu with Poultry Shield/using Diatom and louse powder in the Eglu and the dustbath and the Aubiouse in the nestbox. I can't seem to eradicte the NFM completely so with some helpful advice have decided to step up my game to Absolute War. The Ivomec Eprinex arrived yesterday, and the Buz Busters and Total Mite Kill spray and concentrate earlier in the week. SO this morning, I've:

 

- Jetwashed the Eglu and left all the parts out in the 'sun' (inbetween the snow showers!!) to make sure they got as much light as possible.

- Sprayed it all over, inside the Eglu and out, including the door and the roof and the roosting bars and in all the crevices I can find, with the TMK spray. I left it for about 15 minutes to soak in, then just blotted all of the inside of the Eglu with a cloth to get rid of any puddles of it (trying to make sure that a residue is left on it!)

- Puffed the Buz Busters powder all over the roosting bars and in the Aubiouse and on the poop tray etc. - tried to ensure that there was a generous sprinkling but that they weren't knee-deep in it.

- Put more diatom and some BB powder in their dirt bath (although seems like they're not using it at the moment).

 

So is that ok in terms of cleaning the Eglu? Is there anything else I can/should do? I was planning to do that again in 3 days, and then again on Christmas Eve at least.

 

BUT the most awful thing (given that I've been spraying both of them with the Johnsons every weekend - and only saw a couple of crawlies and a nice clean vent on Constance last Saturday, so thought I was winning - is that in the space of a week Constance is RIDDLED with them again! She had mats of eggs on her feathers, and I could see all the little horrors running around.

 

Not ashamed to say I cried I feel so guilty!

 

So anyway, after I'd had my weepy moment, I've sprayed them both liberally all around the vent and underneath with the Johnsons Anti-Mite spray, and I also did them both with the Ivomec Eprinex.

 

Although Constance is still eating, scratching about, preening, flapping and squarking, she does seem slightly more subdued than Augusta - and she's much paler in the face than her (who is nice and red and even starting to grow big wattles). I can't see a single crawly on Augusta, so I guess they are picking on the weaker bird. It's so frustrating!!! And I feel so awful that she's suffering and I don't seem to be able to do anything concrete about it!

 

I've given her some Nutridrops and will continue that for the next week or so - and for the last few weeks I've also been trying to boost her protein and build her up giving them both a daily hot mash of layers pellets, sunflower seeds, olive oil, poultry spice and then a liberal helping of live mealworms stirred into it. I also gave them some tuna in it yesterday...is that ok?! Was trying to think of high protein low additives foods..... Can anyone suggest anything else feed-wise that would help to build her up? They were both wormed in October/early November.

 

I'm REALLY REALLY REALLY hoping that the Ivomec does the trick (along with the Eglu regime). Please keep your fingers crossed for me..and if anyone has ANY suggestions or thoughts or ANY advice at all that they can offer, please please do - I'm new to all this and willing to pretty much do anything or buy anything that will help!

 

Thanks guys

[The Dogmother]

I think that you just need to wait now for the goodies to take effect.

[superkitty]

I'll try and keep this short..and not crow too much, in case it's a fluke ....but I think I may have finally beaten my mite problem

 

After getting the girls in September 11, I first discovered Constance had a bum full of mites in November ..and believe it or not, I've been trying to get rid of them - and also what turned out to be red mite in the Eglu I think - since then! After trying a few different things unsuccessfully, I then got some great advice on this lovely forum (especially from Dogmother and Redwing) and in early December I settled into a regular routine of Eglu-Nuking (jetwash, followed by Total Mite Kill, followed by Buz Busters) every 4 days (including all over Christmas ) - and a weekly check of the girls. I think I got the Eglu sorted a little while back - I haven't found any mites at all on the last three cleans.

 

But the girls...oh! Words can't describe They have been Diatomed, bathed in dog shampoo (3 times so far - luckily they both seem to love it), treated with Johnsons AntiMite weekly, and treated twice so far with Ivomec Eprinex (not licensed for use on poultry) 3 weeks apart. Each week I'd check them both over and Augusta would be clean as a whistle (as always) and then I'd check Constance and... she would still be RIDDLED with the little There were actual tears the last few times I checked - I felt really despairing about it and totally guilt-ridden.

 

Their last bath and Ivomec treatment was Friday last week. I also completely emptied their dustbath (which is a big plastic box with compost, sand, diatom and louse powder) and refilled it with a bit of compost, a tiny bit of sand, a LOT of Diatom and a bit of Buz Busters. They have both spent at least 20 minutes a day happily rolling about in it this week.

 

When I cleaned the Eglu today I saw no mites...but the BIG news is that when I checked Constance today (with a heavy heart, expecting the worst as usual).....there were no mites that I could see. I literally jumped up and down in my wellies in the garden (ahem - having safely put her on the floor first, of course). This is the FIRST TIME since November that I haven't seen any on her. I am SO HAPPY!! VICTORY!!!

 

Of course, being a bit of a pessimist I'm fully prepared to check her again in another few days and find them again, but just for today I'm savouring the sweet taste of victory..... even if it's momentary!

 

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to share with some people who would understand!!!

[superkitty]

Augusta enjoying her bath on Friday

 

Untitled by Faith Al-Egaily, on Flickr

 

And I forgot to mention another cause for celebration. First egg was laid on New Years Day and (after a few fits and starts) today was our first two-egg (i.e. one from each girl) day. Of course, I can't eat them at the moment because of the Ivomec...but still...HURRAH!

 

Can you tell I'm in a good mood today?!

[The Dogmother]

I am so pleased to hear that Faith - victory at last!

[superkitty]

Now I'm worried I'll jinx it by being pleased that they're gone

[Plum]

What a battle well done, not one I've had to try yet. Well done Redwing and Dogmother you are both so supportive.

 

Augusta is beautiful you should send Omlet that picture

[Mum]

 

Very well done and such determination and dedication on your part.

[superkitty]

Thanks, I think they're beautiful as well but I'm biased They love a bath - they get a dreamy look in their eyes and then usually fall asleep when I wrap them up in the towel to blot them dry. Not a big fan of the hair dryer though, so after the first attempt at blow-drying them, they now get to spend the night indoors tucked up next to the radiator after a bath

 

I have to admit for a particular soft spot for Constance, who fell asleep on my lap yesterday when I was checking her bum for mites

 

Yes, it's so reassuring to be able to get support and advice from people who REALLY know what they're talking about. Thank you guys.

[The Dogmother]

Well done, it really is down to persistence. Keep to your regular programme now as we discussed and IF they get any mites/lice again, there only ought to be a few and easily dealt with.

 

Bear in mind folks that an ailing chook will automatically be a lice/mite magnet, so keep them in top condition and they will be able to fend it off.

[superkitty]

Will DO! *salutes smartly*

 

Ooh, that's clever - you've merged my old thread with the new one!

 

Constance is definitely feeling better - she's not quite as red as Augusta in the face yet but definitely much much better than before, when her wattles and comb were practically white. This photo is from today - which was again a two-egg day. Hurrah!

 

Untitled by Faith Al-Egaily, on Flickr

 

Have a lovely weekend, Omleteers!

[The Dogmother]

She's a gorgeous hen.

 

If a hen looks pale from a lice attack, you can always boost her with Nutridrops; they're fabulous.

[sparkysmum]

Great news, well done for all your efforts Alli x

[scubababe]

Fab news. I'm sitting here scratching lol! Luckily this is not something I've had yet....and hope I don't. Well done superkitty with your perseverance.

 

By the way...constance is gorgeous

[superkitty]

Have spent the last few months scratching and (usually whilst laying in bed) suddenly becoming convinced I can feel something crawling on me Never found anything though I wear my Chicken Clothes to do all the cleaning and spraying and I actually strip off in the garage and stick them straight in the washing machine before I come into the house. It's only a matter of time before OH answers the door or something while im out there and I give a just-arrived guest the shock of their life

 

Thank you for the nice comments. Augusta will be jealous

 

They're due for their weekly check this morning. Keep your fingers crossed for me. If I find mites on her again I will not be happy