Treating Flock for Lice/Mites

[EggSighted4Life]

Would Ivermectin as a spot on be better?

That is cattle dewormer and isn't labeled for use in chickens. I personally would not put it on my birds. It is a poison that is very hard on the system. I would maybe never use it on a hen that had been sitting for long already. To me they are in a compromised state and I won't subject them to that. Especially since it might cause diarrhea or something and broody's try to leave the nest very seldom.

I use the permnethrin spray on my broody's, but they don't usually get eggs (bet yes even if I am tucking chicks right away or they already have them). I would just use it when booting her off the nest for a minute and let her return as usual. If it is damp it will dry and cause no harm in my PERSONAL opinion. Otherwise spray her after hatch... but I would do it now, and not fret.

 

[Birds of a Feather]

I don't know about a major mite infestation (or for use on a hen with chicks), but this natural poultry spray seems to usually control minor cases of mites on my chickens: https://www.davismfg.com/store/product/pure-planet-poultry-spray/

 

[DrumstickRanchTex]

You could put a bit of the spray on your own fingertips and then touch the chick’s legs, tail, etc. you can make sure that no spray gets into their eyes and their respiratory system.

 

[webbysmeme]

Permethrin is labeled for use both on chickens and in their housing.
So the answer is yes.
I would not soak the chicks in it though.

Five week old chicks?

 

[Kiki]

Five week old chicks?

Yes.

 

[Kiki]

Mites can kill a chick quick.

 

[webbysmeme]

Yes.

Thank you.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you.

Mites multiply fast and can suck the life right out of a chick much faster than an adult bird...although mites can kill an adult bird just as easily.

 

[kgilmore1]

Thanks everyone! Everything out there is sprayed now so hopefully no more issues! When the chicks hatch I'll treat them with a cotton ball.

 

[casportpony]

That is cattle dewormer and isn't labeled for use in chickens. I personally would not put it on my birds

True it's not labeled for use in poultry, but it can be used and it is *very* safe when the correct dose is used. I use ivermectin to treat peafowl lice because it's too much work to spray or dust them.