[Boxfanman]

 

Just been to clean out coop and have red mites!!!!

They are disgusting.

Could they have caused my bird to die the other day?

I seemed to find most of them, but will obviously need to treat the birds and coop. What's the best method of killing them without affecting eggs?

I have heard cola is a brilliant way of cleaning coop - is this true?

Any advice would be gratefully recieved. I have read the stickies and there seems to be loads of products and would like to take the advice and exprience of the members.

Thanks in advance.

[andreadon]

i would probably steer clear of cola - you might get ants!!

clean it out with jeyes fluid and make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies - i use a combination of a sponge and scrubbing brush - you can use a hose too.

then when it's all dry, dust around the red mite powder - also dust the chickens before they go to bed (red mite are active at night).
you can get the powder form farm shops and also from poultry suppliers.

[poultrygeist]

Once cleaned with jeyes, you'll need to use poultry shield or another product that will remove the waxy cuticle that coats the mites. The red mite powder will only act as a deterrant against future infestation.

They can apparently hide in the smallest of cracks so if you can dismantle, go for it. And make sure you allow the jeyes to dry out and air off properly before lettign the chickens back in.

Good luck.

ROb

[mrs.ploppy]

I use Deosan Deosect on my birds and house.  Can be bought from Mole Vally or feed merchant.  One can is about £20 and 5ml makes up a liter of spray.  so very economical.  Some powder for mites are only repelants and do not kill the mite.  I do the birds as they come out of the pop hole in the morning, do them one by one then they have the time to dry, clean house out and burn all bedding as you it be crawling in mites.  Then you don't re-infect the house.  Spray house with Deosan and bed down.  This lasts for weeks and weeks.

[poultrygeist]

Is deosect licensed for poultry use Mrs Ploppy ?

I can only find an equine version for controlling flies and lice on horses.
I'm not sure it would be suitable for red mites.

Rob

[poultrygeist]

Have a read of this, if you haven't already done so.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=5250.0

Rob

[Aunt Sally]

Is deosect licensed for poultry use Mrs Ploppy ?

No it's not licenced for poultry Rob.  It lasts for such a long time because it has a very high residue level.  This means that the active ingredient cypermethrin will get into the eggs (and meat if you eat the birds).

You can read about cypermethrin here http://www.pan-uk.org/pestnews/Actives/cypermet.htm

I wouldn't use it for spraying food i.e. hens but I don't eat horses.

[mrs.ploppy]

On the back of the can it says for control of red mite in chickens.  Dilute to 1:100 and to use sprayer to go under wings,body and tail.  No mention of egg withdrawal.  Always used this on advice from vet with no trouble at all.  Not saying that is right but that's what it says on the tin.  ??  Its the only thing that got rid of them and never had them since.  Had a plague a few years ago and lost several birds until this.

[Aunt Sally]

Thn I take back what I said Mrs P

I'll look into it

[mrs.ploppy]

I have looked at the site about the toxicity of the pymethrin (can't spell that) type base and it shows studies of lond term human use, the carcenogenic response in this report sounds like long term use from farmers useing the product incorectly without proper protection.  Like all chemicals they have to be used in correct dose and that you are protected from the spray.  I wouldn't use this on a monthly basis but it certainly got rid of mine when I had the plague.  Many tens of £££ spent on powders and potions which did not work.  Only used twice back then and have not had them in 3 years now.  I look at it as the red mite killer as flubivent is to worming.  Never like chemicals but sometimes the only way to go.

[Aunt Sally]

I've been searching the net for a product advertised for use for poultry that contains a synthetic pyrethroid and can't find one    There are a few sold in the USA but I can't find one in the UK.

I'm not sure if legislation has changed regarding their use but I'd say if you were happy to spray your veg with a pyrethroid insecticide then you'd be happy to spray your hens.

[HENrietta]

Hi sorry to but in on this thread, but my girls have not shown any signs of red mite, but i have purchased some powder just in case! Is it a good idea to powder my girls in the next couple of days to be on the safe side.

Thanks HENrietta

 

[poultrygeist]

Definitely Henrietta.

Use with impunity. As you see, now is the season for them. I've been checking even through winter when it was minus something silly.
Hope to never see one.

Rob

[mrs.ploppy]

Prevention is better than cure as they say.

[HENrietta]

 :blink: ooohhh Thanks Rob will do it for sure tomorow night. Thankyou.