Luvachicken Posted October 3, 2014 Share Posted October 3, 2014 I am lucky enough to have a camera in my nest box and for the last week or so, have been spying to see who goes in it at night. Tonight I looked on the telly to see a dear little blue tit sleeping in there BUT then I could see little things running all over him. They were busy little creatures and very small and I'm guessing they were red mite. The camera I have magnifies and I guess the little light - infrared LED - makes them show up very well. He had lots poor thing. I was going to sprinkle some red mite powder in when he leaves in the morning. Will I need to do it more often and if so how often ? What affect will the mites have on the blue tit ? Do they hop off him onto the wood when he wakes up in the morning ? Have never had red mite with the chickens so I don't know the best way to help this little blue tit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 See the red mite thread on other parts of the forum... I would dust it out with some Buz Busters when he flies off, then give it a nuking when he has left the nest. Be careful though as it's very easy to transfer them into your house on your clothes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 This is how chickens get red mite Luvachicken. They drop off the wild birds onto them and then get carried into the coop where they multiply. So if you can treat the box you will reduce the chances of them transferring to your chickens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted October 4, 2014 Author Share Posted October 4, 2014 What horrible little creatures I have dusted the box with red mite powder for now as that is all I have. If they got on me and came indoors what do I do then ? I really don't like the thought of that and I wouldn't want any to be on me when I pop in to see the girls later. I guess most wild birds must have them and we often have the blue tits sleeping in the box over Winter but this is a new camera and obviously magnifies everything that we couldn't see before. Perhaps Omlet should make bird boxes with their stuff then the red mite would be easier to control all round. Or maybe I should treat the birds to those boxes that look like they are made of brick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 Elho does a very nice birdhouse combined with a planter: http://www.elho.com/291208/collection/our-collection/outdoor/corsica/corsica-birdgarden.html It is also plastic, so probably easier to keep clean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 4, 2014 Share Posted October 4, 2014 The mite issue.... and the cats are al reasons why I don't encourage wild birds in my garden - it's a shame because I love them, but it's just not worth it. My folks have a fantastic range of birds in their gardens though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted October 8, 2014 Author Share Posted October 8, 2014 Well after a few days with the red mite powder in the box, I am pleased to say that I can hardly see any little critters on the blue tit tonight Lots dead on the floor of the box though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 8, 2014 Share Posted October 8, 2014 Keep it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted October 12, 2014 Share Posted October 12, 2014 Luvachicken, you are so observant! Well done! The little chick must be so much more comfortable, thanks to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
