It’s tough to balance effectiveness with environmental safety. What about preventative measures? Any tips?
Keeping the coop clean is super important! Regularly cleaning out bedding and adding fresh straw helps deter mites. Plus, plenty of dust bathing areas for the chickens is a must!
I love that! Dust baths are such a fun activity for the chickens and a natural way to help fight these pests.
Last season, I went a bit overboard with cleaning and my chickens ended up in a dust storm. But hey, they were mite-free and happy, so win-win!
Haha, that’s hilarious! But seriously, it shows how energetic they can be. If only we could make a chicken-sized vacuum!
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It’s crucial to keep the coop clean to prevent mite infestations. Regularly remove droppings and use a pressure washer to clean surfaces. This can deter mites significantly.
Absolutely! You should also consider deep cleaning at least once a month. That way, you can catch any potential infestations early on.
Consider using diatomaceous earth around the coop. It’s a natural way to help control mites and is safe for your chickens.
I love that idea! I’ve been using it for a while, and it works wonders. Just make sure to apply it in dry conditions!
I think rotating the times when you let your chickens roam can help too. If you’re consistent with that, it can reduce the chances of mites spreading inside.
Great point! I’ve noticed a drop in mite activity since I started doing that. Variety is key for keeping them guessing!
What kind of bedding do you all use? I switched to straw and it seems to help with mites, but I’m curious about others’ experiences!
I’ve used cedar shavings, and they seem to keep bugs away. Just be cautious, as some chickens can be sensitive to it.
Mites are annoying little pests! I always keep a spare spray bottle of mite treatment in my coop – it’s come in handy more often than I’d like to admit!
Haha, I totally get that! I keep a chicken first-aid kit with mite spray as well. You never know when they might need it!
Is there any truth to the superstition that feeding chickens garlic can help keep mites away? I’ve tried it but haven’t seen results.
I’ve heard that too! While I’m skeptical, it can’t hurt to do it casually—just watch for any changes in their behavior.
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