PoultryTalk.com

Sorry to keep asking things,
But im really greatfull for all the info that iv had from reading posts on this site.

I have just been thinking about if i should power the bedding in the nest box and underneath the perchs.
Im thinking about red mite and fleys. If so what is the best sort of powder to buy?

Im going to get some spray cleaner for the clearning out.
Iv also seen some red mite spray too, Is this worth buying and keeping in or should i only buy it if my hens come down with mite?

many thnaks again for the help that iv been given, I hope that in time i will also be able to help others that are looking to start out in the hobby.

Richard

I would suggest you keep the products and treat every other month or so. I do this with my birds to keep on top of lice, mites and any other problem. I have bought so many different variety's and the powder i thought worked the best is Diatom. Diatom is a cheep and effective product. It can be used for lice and can be used to get rid of internal parasites. I go through a lot of it because of how many birds i have got! You can buy it in bulk or small amounts. If you have only got 6 or so hens the 500 gram pack should last over 2 or so months. Its not the most expensive out their but it does the job! You can buy it from ebay or wells poultry, These are the only two places that i am aware of that sells Diatom (There might be others but, they have the best prices).

Thanks DM, ill order some off wells tonight.

Its alright richard, On wells poultry it fails to say it is a food supplement and can help birds with internal parasites. Its says it on the bottle, add 5% to the daily amount of food. Good stuff hope you like as much as me. :D

I use Diatom powder in the bedding and dust it in the nooks and crannies of the house, ends of perches etc. I also religiously brush out the house and spray with red mite solution every other clean out (clean out being once a week). I still occaisionally get a red mite bloom even with this srict regime so it really is a question of keeping on top of it and not waiting till you see them! Horrid little devils!

Also avoid straw in the house as the mites live inside the tubes.

CL x

We all have our own regimes - but I do a monthly 'whole clean' when I sweep out all the woodshavings and dust EVERYTHING with barrier mite powder - nest boxes, all round the house, perches, nooks, crannies. Then each week I turn the wood shavings (which has powder in it) out of the nest boxes into the main house and re-powder the nest boxes before re-filling with fresh woodshavings. I'm a bit scared of mites (horrid little devils indeed) - so I'm quite liberal with the powder. And I NEVER use straw or newspaper, both of which make perfect homes for mites.

Your regime sounds good weeley. There are many ways to crack the same nut!