Mites in the chicken shed

[gypsy]

Not sure if they are red mites, which hide in the cracks, or the ones that live on the hens. Have used Duramitex before but dont think you can get it now. Am trying some very old Coopers spray, I think it is working.

Any ideas on what to use? I tried a herbal dusting powder in the past, didnt kill them. Also I clean and disinfect (with Jeyes fluid) regularly. I think mites like a nice clean home...

[gypsy]

[goodlife]

Yes you are right..duramitex was finished..but now they have new formula under same name..if my memory serve me right.. ::)
Those dusting powder do work once you got situation under control..but even then you need to use them regular bases and not just now and then..
There is quite few commercial product for dealing with mites..but non of them that cheap though..unfortunately Jeyes fluid don't tend to do much for the mites.. ::) I use louse powder or diatomous earth powder(can't remember how to spell it right...) and I use it every time I change the bedding in chicken shed..that's every 3 weeks or so..and I put it in nest boxes too..during mite season I also spread some surgical spirit on perches that will kill any hiding mites..and once dry bit of powder on that too..
But if you have infestation you will need proper cleaner first and maybe blow torch the walls as well so any crawling ones are truly cooked.. ;)..and repeat the treatment after 2 weeks...and again after 3 weeks..it is not easy but unless properly dealt with your chickens will alway suffer with them..

[kt.]

Lime does a great job and has no effect on the poultry.  Same sort as you would spread over your brassica plot.  Spread it about inside the shed on the floor,  joists, cracks, window sills and edges,  door openings and hinges.  Even in the nest boxes.

[gypsy]

Thanks for advice. Got some diathermacious dust and some mite spray. I emptied the shed and hosed it out (dare not use a blow torch in this weather). Took nearly an hour, and 2 hours to dry out a bit. Used nearly all the spray. Put plenty of dust in the nest boxes. Then I dusted the hens  ;D they were not amused.
I had a new pack of chopped straw which I normally keep in the shed with the hens, but decided to put it in the garden shed instead. When I opened it I found MORE mites in the edges of the sack!
I now have an uncluttered hen house, just 2 nest boxes, one perch, a shelf, water and a food dispenser.
Well, I am about to go on a mite inspection, I think I will have to repeat the routine every few weeks :(

[goodlife]

Well done..that sounds like a good job.. ;) The reason you have to re-do it so soon is that this time of the year mites breeding cycle is so quick...so each repeat one should catch the previous ones that you missed and the possible new ones 'hatched'...you'll get there..
I stopped using straw and hay as I found out that they tend to harbour the mites...yes..I did have some trouble too.. ::) I switched to using woodshaving in the shed...but I'm going to try next hemcore...and see if what that is like as it is quicker to compost than shavings.
Keep going on with a good work..you'll be soon 'on top of the things' and it will get easier then.. ;)

[goodlife]

Oh...something else came to my mind.. ::) It would not hurt to give some poultry drink or other supplements to your girls as they have been 'drained dry' by those little blood suckers...so build the condition up that your girls are in optimum condition for the moult in couple of months time..then they will get over it sooner and better.. ;)

[gypsy]

Yes, will get them some tonic. Also stocking up with the spray and powder.
I have used chopped straw because it composts well. but now I will get woodshavings.
There are so many things you can do to fight the little monsters, I will try most of them. Have made a list. Also decided to keep notes on a calendar to remind me when to spray and dust etc.

I feel much better about it now. I was ready to give up the other day, and give the girls away  :(  its scary to see the mites out in force, and not knowing what to do.

Thanks again,