Need help to identify external parasites

[Ms.tiamaria]

I could use some help from someone who has experience with chicken parasites, as I do not. Looks like sand in our Silkies’ feathers. These are eggs i’m assuming? Highest concentration is at their lower backs. Thanks for any help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My guess would be some sort of lice. Dust all birds with a pyrethrin or permethrin based poultry dust every week for 3-4 weeks to break the life cycle. Also dust all roost cracks and nestboxes under the bedding. Silkies seem to attract external parasites more than any other breed so expect it to be a maintenance for your birds to check every few months.

 

[Shadowfire]

i would guess he's having a louse problem, but I'm not sure; do you see the comb or other appendages paling?

 

[Ms.tiamaria]

My guess would be some sort of lice. Dust all birds with a pyrethrin or permethrin based poultry dust every week for 3-4 weeks to break the life cycle. Also dust all roost cracks and nestboxes under the bedding. Silkies seem to attract external parasites more than any other breed so expect it to be a maintenance for your birds to check every few months.

Thank you!

 

[Ms.tiamaria]

My guess would be some sort of lice. Dust all birds with a pyrethrin or permethrin based poultry dust every week for 3-4 weeks to break the life cycle. Also dust all roost cracks and nestboxes under the bedding. Silkies seem to attract external parasites more than any other breed so expect it to be a maintenance for your birds to check every few months.

Not mites?

 

[Ms.tiamaria]

i would guess he's having a louse problem, but I'm not sure; do you see the comb or other appendages paling?

Hard to tell because they are blue.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Not mites?

I don't believe so, but the treatment is the same, so a definite identification isn't necessary unless treatments don't work.

 

[Ms.tiamaria]

My guess would be some sort of lice. Dust all birds with a pyrethrin or permethrin based poultry dust every week for 3-4 weeks to break the life cycle. Also dust all roost cracks and nestboxes under the bedding. Silkies seem to attract external parasites more than any other breed so expect it to be a maintenance for your birds to check every few months.

What about the run? Will mites/lice be living in there as well? Part of the run is roofed and the two long sides covered in plastic for winter. It’s partially filled with straw.

 

[Ms.tiamaria]

i would guess he's having a louse problem, but I'm not sure; do you see the comb or other appendages paling?

What about the run? Will mites/lice be living in there as well? Part of the run is roofed and the two long sides covered in plastic for winter. It’s partially filled with straw.

 

[Shadowfire]

What about the run? Will mites/lice be living in there as well? Part of the run is roofed and the two long sides covered in plastic for winter. It’s partially filled with straw.

They usually stay on the host, because that's where the food is, but some will drop of the birds' feathers and into the run, nest boxes, or other places; you can spray them with a louse killer, and put some fresh herbs like rosemary or catnip in the run to help keep other bugs away, like mosquitoes (to some extent). Best of luck!