PixieDust Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 We are still building the run and as OH very busy for a couple of weeks it may be a month before we get some girls. However I want to know how to prepare the coop. By this I mean cleaning etc and what to put down as a good red mite preventive from the start? I have a wooden coop not entirely my choice, but prevention is better than trying to battle an infestation. Someone told me to spray the coop with Ficam w before they move in which I am not sure is for chickens, but OH can spray chemicals due to his job. It is the one thing which is freaking me out about getting chooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Seriously toxic stuff Ficam W. I wouldn't go anywhere near it PixieDust. My choice would be to CreoSote the inside because you have a month for it to dry, but it is difficult to get and comes in 25L drums. You need to treat it with something because red mite absolutely adore untreated new wood. I built some rearing units using all new timber and after 3 months they were heaving with red mite. I was tempted to burn them and start again. Perhaps use CreoCote, which many new English built wooden coops come pre-treated with. You can buy that readily in 5 Litre cans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted July 15, 2014 Author Share Posted July 15, 2014 The house was apparently dip treated in "wood preserver, fungicide and colouring" before construction, although no colouring inside the house. I don't know if OH has access to creosote, if not I guess we will have to try creocote, but I know that isn't any good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 Well you know more about creocote than me PixieDust. I've heard loads of people say it isn't as good as creosote but don't know anyone who has actually tried it. My feeling is that it will leave a surface residue that red mite will find equally unappealing. It may not smell as potent, so you won't be so ill applying it. Probably isn't as good a wood preserver as creosote, but that's not what you will be using creocote for. Is the existing treatment water based? If so I would consider applying Cuprinol Shades to the outside at some time. It is also water based but gives good rain resistance if you need it. Nice colours as well. A water based treatment inside will do nothing whatsoever to red mite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PixieDust Posted July 15, 2014 Author Share Posted July 15, 2014 I can only pass on what I have been told that creocote doesn't cut the mustard. However, prepared to give it a try. Although the outside is painted green with a solvent based Cuprinol, we are going to re do it with one of the 5 year Cuprinol preservers. I'll just do it green I think, that way it'll blend in better. I saw I think it was Dogmother on here mention Buz Buster and Net Tex Total Mite Kill as a weekly preventative. Should that be used alongside DE? What about Poultry Shield? I know these are after the girls arrive. I was thinking of Auboise for bedding but wondered if the hemp with eucalyptus help deter mite? Sorry this worries me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted July 15, 2014 Share Posted July 15, 2014 I use total mite kill for the coop and mite powder on the girls. Don't think aubiose has any mite deterring properties. You can put DE in it though. I also use bio dry which is a kind of ground sanitizer. Have just read that the dogmother feeds her girls garlic and mint powder, which apparently can help to deter mites and lice. Good luck, hope all goes well for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
