[Shazzer]

I have spent my morning cleaning out my hen house because of red mites.  I.ve sprayed everything with Poultry sheild, I just wondered how long they take to die, because I can still see theym crawling about.  Can they live of humans, because my head is itching, but I could be being paranoid!!!!

[richyrich7]

Dunno how long poultry shield takes shazza don't use it, but yes they do like a bite of us humans too  :shock:

[Shazzer]

uhh gross do I need to wash my hair with Poultry sheild !

[Vember]

Can't help with the time it takes for them to die I'm afraid but have just read in the Chuck Health Handbook  that they will attack humans    

 I suggest a hot bath/shower ASAP  

[Vember]

"If you have handled the bird, thoroughly wash your hands and arms with hot, soapy antibacterial soap. If you held the bird against your body, it might be a good idea to change your shirt and wash that one in a hot washing machine, just to be on the safe side. "

Found on:  http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/mites.html

[Midwife]

oh yuk! :shock:

[Fat Hen]

I'd be tempted to bbq the little b'stards with a blow torch, if you can seem em.

Luckily i've not seen them yet (touch wood), I hoover weekly when I clean out hen house, particularly in all nooks & crannys.  Then dust with red mite powder.

Then i'm paroid.

[Aunt Sally]

I'd be tempted to bbq the little b'stards with a blow torch, if you can seem em.

Luckily i've not seen them yet (touch wood), I hoover weekly when I clean out hen house, particularly in all nooks & crannys.  Then dust with red mite powder.

Then i'm paroid.

Oh no you're not Fat Hen... Your just thorough, and you need to be with red mite  :!:

[poultrygeist]

I think poultry shield claim 48 hours for a large % to be killed but don't know how long they feast on us big blood banks.

Keep looking but no sign yet. Chooks seem happy in the coop. Powder in all the right places.

Diatomous earth (spelling?) is meant to be good as a long term no go zone for mites isn't it ?

Could you use it on any flat surfaces in the coop beneath the litter ?

Rob

[richyrich7]

I'd be tempted to bbq the little b'stards with a blow torch, if you can seem em.

   I paint em with paraffin then blow torch 'em  esp under the perches :evil:  bit scary in a wooden shed  tho :shock:    

[poultrygeist]

[Aunt Sally]

Diatomous earth (spelling?) is meant to be good as a long term no go zone for mites isn't it ?

Could you use it on any flat surfaces in the coop beneath the litter ?

Rob

I use diatomaceous earth (Diatom) sprinkled about everywhere Rob.

[poultrygeist]

Diatomous earth (spelling?) is meant to be good as a long term no go zone for mites isn't it ?

Could you use it on any flat surfaces in the coop beneath the litter ?

Rob

I use diatomaceous earth (Diatom) sprinkled about everywhere Rob.

Yes, what you said !

From what I've read, it just dessicates them slowly before they can get a foothold in large numbers. Is it expensive ?

R

[Lost in France]

Fat Hen...do you really hoover your henhouse??    
Do you just whizz round with the Dyson when you've done your own house?!! Never thought of vacuuming it but sounds like fun!! How often do you take down their little curtains to wash...and change their bed sheets??!!!!!  

Judi

[Aunt Sally]

From what I've read, it just dessicates them slowly before they can get a foothold in large numbers. Is it expensive ?

R

About £25 for 5kg Diatom.

I bought 5kg about 2 years ago.  I sprinkle the eglu with it including roosting bars, litter tray and nest box and I add it to their dustbath. A little goes a long way.  It's probably worked out at about 25p per week or less.