[mohs.ayaz]

Hi people i am buying a new coop for breeding spring.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHICKEN-COOP-RUN-HEN-HOUSE-POULTRY-ARK-HOME-NEST-BOX-COUP-COOPS-M-PAINTED-HUT-/261119119735?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Poultry&hash=item3ccbe99177

I had red mites in my other similar wooden coop last summer i was still treating it with poultry shield when the cold weather hit and they disappeared, not sure if they are hiding if they are will they survive cold and come back out in spring?

Im thinking of using wood filler and fill in all gaps and crannies and paint the both coops ( but which paint).

Also making diatom slurry.. Could i use diatom powder in poultry shield and spray it? Would it work?

Any replies would be appreciated :-)

 

[mohs.ayaz]

Someone recommended to use old engine oil on wood and let it dry out first. Not sure if its good for hens but sounds good as it might keep the mites off??

[joyfull]

no it would not be good for the hens so please don't - also it isn't a DEFRA recognised treatment for an insecticide anyway.
A new coop should not have red mite and if the wood has been treated properly then should remain red-mite free for the first couple of years. However to be sure then make up a slurry of diatom (this is too thick to spray and needs painting) and brush it inside your coop including the perches.
Please read this post:-

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=81422.0