Natural remedies are definitely interesting, but don’t forget your regular cleaning routine. Mites thrive in dirty environments!
I get it, brittainythomas! Keeping things clean really helps. I usually clean their coop once a week to keep mites at bay.
What about using a combination of methods, like DE and dusting powders? It seems like that could be effective? Anyone tried that?
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I’ve done that, and it worked for me! Mixing treatments seems to confuse the mites, which is a bonus.
I hear a lot about those mite eggs being resistant. How often do you all think treatments should be applied to really knock them out?
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Good question! Some say every 7-10 days for a few weeks until you see no more signs of mites is best.
I once had a chicken look like a plucked turkey because of mites. Quite the sight! But now I know better than to let them go untreated.
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Sounds like quite the adventure, johnboyd! I wish I had seen that! At least you’ve learned from it, right? Better safe than sorry!
Just remember, quick action is key. It’s better to prevent than to treat later, so check your chickens regularly!
Exactly! Catching them early makes treatment a lot easier. Have you all considered regular health checks as a routine?
Spotting mite symptoms early is crucial! Look for excessive scratching, loss of feathers, or tiny red dots on the skin. Regular health checks are key to prevention.
Totally agree! Also, keep their housing clean and dry to help reduce the risk of infestations.
I’ve found that using diatomaceous earth in their coop can help control mites naturally. Just sprinkle some on their bedding and in the nesting boxes!
That’s a great tip! You can also introduce beneficial nematodes to the yard to keep mite populations down.
Proper housing is so important! Make sure your coop has good ventilation and isn’t overcrowded. Happy chickens are healthy chickens!
I always give my chickens a dust bath area; it’s both fun for them and helps with mite prevention! They love it and it’s effective.
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What are the symptoms of a severe infestation? I’m curious about how quickly things can escalate if left unchecked.
Severe cases can lead to anemia and death if not treated. So, spotting those early signs is vital!
Remember to clean the coop regularly and change bedding often. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective practices to keep mites away.
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Exactly! And I also recommend checking their skin for any signs of irritation or injury periodically.
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