Chicken Mites and Lice

[@malcolmpayne9517]

Elector PSP is what I use too. I literally use it once a year. That stuff is awesome. I dunk my chickens in a tote, of course using the correct amount to per gallon of luke warm water. After doing so, I do a deep cleaning of the coop walls, floor, nesting boxes, and roosting bars. I make sure I do this on the first Saturday of the month, because I use FIRST SATURDAY LIME on all of the areas mentioned above. I then put my pine shavings down, and sprinkle more on top of the shavings as a double dose of protection. I sprinkle the roosting bars, nesting boxes, and walls. I sprinkle the perimeter of my run also, which is a 40ft. X 40ft. run. My coop is a 10ft. X 10ft., and is 2ft. off the ground. Insects hate this stuff and won't go near it. I hope your channel continues to grow, because you give valid facts on raising and caring for chickens. Keep up the great work. I use this method, because I free range my chickens too. I have two German shepherds that actually watch over them when they free range.

[@rhondajennings517]

Where do you get the lime?

[@chrisf.50]

I just put down some wonderful hemp for my chickens in their roost and nesting area. Now I think they might have lice or mites....oh dear! They have lost feathers around their neck and head. I don't know if it's from molting. None have lost a lot of feathers on their main body. They might be about a year old by now. I give them great food, no roosters, not over populated and now they get to free range.It's February, but this feather loss which is around the head and neck have been going on for about three months. I got them as pullets in July and they aren't as friendly as I'd like. Therefore, they don't like me to inspect them by picking them up, looking under feathers, etc. I want to buy chicks so it will be easier to handle chickens. I will be inspecting them as soon as the rain stops and gets a little dryer....whether they like it or not.

[@emilynelson6950]

I found it at home Depot... $25​@@rhondajennings517

[@danardorsey]

I can't get it shipped to Hawai'i 😢

[@malcolmpayne9517]

@@rhondajennings517 I have my First Saturday Lime set on preset orders from Amazon. Amazon carries it, along with lots of organic chicken feed and black soldier fly larvae!!!

[@sharingthejourney5285]

So, much useful information! I so appreciate that you actually show us the critters, and show us what to do. Thank you for the work you put into to this, I'm sure it will help many people - and chickens.

[@AnneluvsKatz]

TY Nikki! This was the BEST most in depth video I’ve found to help with mites (and I watch soooo many videos)! Had no clue how big they were (I’d have been looking for something bigger), what they looked like, what the eggs looked like, and different ways to find them (the roost bar tip!) This was some great practical info! TY❣️

[@alvinstockbridge2589]

Lady , you are great . I’ve been raising birds for 50 years and I can honestly say you are amazing . Your coop and birds are super clean and healthy .

[@debiwhite6055]

Thank you for this clear, direct, informative video.

[@marciakosnik6481]

Excellent video and tutorial. Finally one that makes sense to me.

[@christiethomas6905]

This was so helpful thank you for showing how they are on your hands that showed up on me today so I’ll need to treat.

[@jenkemjones68]

I love your channel.Very educational and sticking to the subject.Me and the family just got back from a 7 day cruise,while my sis-in-law was supposed to care for them.Got back and coop was filthy.It burned my nostrils from the ammonia build-up when cleaning the neglected coop.Now they are scratching their faces and shaking their heads.Just 3 hens and all are doing this suddenly.Guess I will go check for mites and check roosting bars now.They never shook their heads and scratched before.Plus one has a bare spot on her neck.Thank you very much.Subscribed!

[@reggankoopmeiners2670]

I have been BATTLING NFM mites since March. I still am. I have never seen anything like this. I've done it all!!! To include PSP. I have always cleaned my coop and run weekly. I've burned everything 9 times this year. I am actually on my way down to clean everything again today. I haven't lost any of my flock, but been baths, sprays, dusts, supplements, sulfur, baking soda, boric acid. They have a 6x7 dust bath in their enclosed covered run. They do free range everyday,, so all i can think is they are picking them up constantly. Im hoping winter will help me win this.. Its just nuts.

[@colleenhindley]

Unfortunately winter doesn't help. The mites "hibernate" and re-emerge with the warm weather

[@oliviacooksnyc]

I realize this was awhile ago. I wondered if you’ve been able to get a handle on the mites now.

[@TanyaFisher-l7d]

I’m down here in Estero, Florida and I’m just starting to see mites on my hens vents,never had an issue b4 this year(maybe IAN flood). I am going to try high Hi-yield dusting the vents see how that works out.

[@peachycream]

Did you try lime washing the coop?

[@arianafahl3512]

I’m coming from Instagram, thank you so much for the video! This is so helpful and thorough! ❤

[@jessieg5502]

I've watched so many videos on this subject. I found your video the most informative and encouraging. Thank you. Now that I have confirmation our coop has an infestation it's time to get to work! Have a blessed day ☺️

[@purelychickens]

Thank you for the kind words!! Good luck

[@offgridrooster]

Excellent presentation. Thank you!

[@purelychickens]

Thanks for watching!

[@winniecash1654]

What to do if mites are on the hens head?

[@brelsfordfamilyhomestead]

I found the hard (aka expensive way) that you need to shake this bottle periodically if you’re not using it. Mine was kept in an appropriate place but left untouched it separated and then hardened. I had to buy another bottle which is now about $160

[@69bls]

Great video- except they can and do get on people and pets. I am currently battling a bad infestation that made its way into the house. I was bitten so badly that I had to go to the dermatologist and get permethrin lotion and steroids. My cat also had to go to the vet. I finally eradicated them from the house, but am still battling the coop. After 10 years of having chickens, this is a miserable first.

[@purelychickens]

Probably a different kind of mites than the ones we get by us

[@colleenhindley]

This is true. I am having the same problem. They are northern fowl mites that started when baby wild birds left their nest in my backyard. I've been battling them since last summer. I can't touch a chicken without the mites immediately getting on me. If you Google, it states right on any chicken page that chicken/bird mites can and do infest human homes. The only good thing is that they can't reproduce with human blood.

[@colleenhindley]

Ended up getting rid of my chickens I've had for years due to this mite infestation. There was no getting rid of them. A much more experienced person took them (bc they wanted to show them at fair) and was sure they could get rid of the mites. Months later, she has still not been able to rid the chickens of them. She said she's never seen mites so resistant. I have just recently been able to walk out in my backyard without getting one on me. I won't keep chickens again for this reason

[@pmcfarlane641]

After cleaning my coop I had them in my hair it was awful, to get rid of them I used a home hair dye. So now I wear disposable decorating overalls with a hood. .

[@facingfacts7830]

Thank you so much for this great info! I've been stressing with my chickens who all stopped laying and I couldn't figure out why. One is losing feathers like she's molting again. I'm in SE FL and its the end of April. It's always pretty warm and humid here.

[@meenha1976]

Cute, perfect name cruella ❤❤❤

[@resurrectionsunday4164]

Awesome video. Very helpful for me as a new first timer. Now I know what to do. ❤you’re a blessing. Thank you 🙏

[@purelychickens]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@shirleymoore4885]

I’m glad you put this out I’m not having issues but it’s good to know and I really didn’t want to have to stop the egg process either and thank you for naming the chicken Shirley I like that name 😂

[@غلطةعمري-ع4ج]

Shirley is a beautiful name 😂😂😂😂😂

[@kimhagerman7422]

I love your videos!! I just received my Elector psp and I have 2 questions. When you say you can't spray the chickens in the winter what temperature are we talking about? I live in Atlanta but I grew up in Avon Lake, Ohio and they have VERY different winters. My other question is about the expiration of Elector PSP. I understand that the concentrate has no expiration but what about after it's mixed with water? Should I use or toss what's in the spray bottle? Thank you in advance!!!

[@purelychickens]

@@kimhagerman7422 I wouldn’t spray them under 50 degrees…55 on a sunny day maybe. And after it’s mixed you need to use it in 24 hours

[@MommingFun]

What can I use in the cold ? Thank you for sharing.

[@sweaterdoll]

I treated my hens today after receiving the 9 ml bottle of Elector PSP. I needed to know how long the solution will be viable after mixing - hours? a couple of days? - in case I couldn't get all the birds done by myself. So I called ValleyVet who sells it and they had me talk to the vet, herself. She was amazing! Turns out, as long as it is out of sunlight, it will last 24 hours once mixed with water. Also I asked about this "one-time application" that every KZbin chicken lady is advocating and the vet said that is NOT true. The directions clearly state the treatment has to be repeated in 7-10 days, although she recommended 14 days. Still, I did some research in scientific studies and there is some indication it works as an ovicide (kills eggs) but not 100% of the time; only about 63% of eggs were consistently destroyed. The problem is that the developing insect inside the egg doesn't have a nervous system yet and the bacteria affects its nervous system, so there's some distinct moment the bacteria has to come into contact with the insect as it develops. Anyway, it's not 100% or one-time only. Anyway, I thought folks would want to know. Normally use coconut oil to repel and destroy lice AND the eggs, and it works a charm annually on the few that get it while foraging on an acre around wild birds and their lice, but this summer was super hot and humid so the hens been lying around more which made it more difficult to control. Coconut oil is the only thing that actually breaks down and destroys and eggs of both mites and lice. It's the caprylic acid in it. Also continues to repel them and soothes their skin and promotes healing. I treated my hens today after receiving the 9 ml bottle of Elector PSP from your store. Thank you! I needed to know how long the solution will be viable after mixing - hours? a couple of days? - in case I couldn't get all the birds done by myself. So I called ValleyVet who sells it and they had me talk to the vet, herself. She was amazing! Turns out, as long as it is out of sunlight, it will last 24 hours once mixed with water. Also I asked about this "one-time application" that every KZbin chicken lady is advocating and the vet said that is NOT true. The directions clearly state the treatment has to be repeated in 7-10 days, although she recommended 14 days. Still, I did some research in scientific studies and there is some indication it works as an ovicide (kills eggs) but not 100% of the time; only about 63% of eggs were consistently destroyed. The problem is that the developing insect inside the egg doesn't have a nervous system yet and the bacteria affects its nervous system, so there's some distinct moment the bacteria has to come into contact with the insect as it develops. Anyway, it's not 100% or one-time only. Anyway, I thought folks would want to know. Normally use coconut oil to repel and destroy lice AND the eggs, and it works a charm annually on the few that get it while foraging on an acre around wild birds and their lice, but this summer was super hot and humid so the hens been lying around more which made it more difficult to control. Coconut oil is the only thing that actually breaks down and destroys and eggs of both mites and lice. It's the caprylic acid in it. Also continues to repel them and soothes their skin and promotes healing.

[@chrisf.50]

Will chickens lose feathers on their head and neck from lice and mites?

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

Yes!

[@Clydesmith2119]

Hi Nikki. Great article. We just found out we have mites in our flock. Purchased the Elector PSP and will be doing the flock and coop cleaning this weekend. Question… have you tried First Saturday Lime as well? Just wondering if that is a good option as well once we do the PSP. 😊

[@dmshouse1]

OMG, I thought I had the cure! I have 4 chickens and no friends nearby with chickens. So, at $160 for 8 Oz, that’s a bit too pricey for me!! I will have to keep looking, but I love your channel and all the tips!

[@amc2510]

I had an infestation last May but I didn't know it. I've had chickens many years and this was the first time. Anyway I closed the chickens and came the house. Started feeling itchy. Real itchy on my scalp. I turned my head over the sink and scratched and mites fell into the sink. Freaked me out. I bagged my clothes and showered. The next day I inspected everything and boy oh boy...not good.

[@anboss1388]

Thank you.

[@jacquiesnick1501]

Love your content!!! Do you need to remove sand in run after mites? I'm new to all this.

[@purelychickens]

Nope :)

[@JenLombardo-s3s]

My chickens are very skidish. Any suggestions on how to treat them? I can't catch most of them

[@lesliemcnamara5793]

I just ordered it and thx

[@DIYfunnyfarm]

How do you get mites and lice out of the coop? What is the best way? Can I clean it out and spray with something?

[@marlayoutourist]

Do you think I could dunk them and then use the remaining liquid into spray bottles to do the roosts?

[@laurakissel8661]

Elector psp did not work for depluming mites…I dipped them…they are still losing feathers in patches. 😢 trying ivermectin next

[@deborahhock4903]

It's not true that bird mites can't transfer to humans. A 50 yr. old active Ravens nest was cut down and left on the ground for a week, ... The mites found me, my home, everything in it and my cat. It's worse than a Steven King movie. I don't know how to get rid of them. Help?

[@heyAmandaD]

Do you spray the coop with the elector psp as well? Or can i just clean that with something else?

[@mareybird]

Looking on Amazom for electorpsp and I dont see it. Where can I but some?

[@facingfacts7830]

What are you using for your wire screening of the coop? It looks smaller than 1/4" hardware...please let me know, I have problems with birds, rats, and squirrels eating all their food.

[@ninamills6435]

You are amazing!❤

[@ninamills6435]

Did are grandparents do anything like this??

[@Thefightfortruth]

That was my question. I don’t recall my grandparents ever doing checks. My dad, who has had chickens for decades says he has never checked. I swear they had the same issues, just let them go. They never dewormed either!

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

​@@Thefightfortruth I think the balance of nature is much more out of whack now. 😔

[@sandraviewing]

THANK YOU for this info !! Question ---- will ElectroPSP work on LEG mites? Also, could not get to your article :(

[@purelychickens]

@@sandraviewing sorry about that!! I linked the admin one. I’ll fix it. Here it is.. purelychickens.com/mites

[@marcelapasmore9261]

Hello! Without having to order, what I have available to me (my area) is Flexer PSP. It has the same % of active ingredient that Elector has. Anyone familiar with that product?

[@purelychickens]

@@marcelapasmore9261 when I search I can’t even find it! Where are you located. I would assume if it’s the same ingredient then it’s going to work. Is it meant for chickens?

[@marcelapasmore9261]

I apologize the spelling was wrong! It's called Fraxel psp. It says it is safe for poultry "In addition, it can be directly applied to poultry for targeted control of northern fowl mites. Don’t let pest infestations linger-apply the fast-acting Fraxel PSP " I am in WA state. Thanks for reply 😊

[@karengoody1663]

Can you put Condi's crystals in the chooks drinking water

[@shannonsweeley237]

What is excessive preening? My chickens are about 8 weeks and they preen everytime they take a little siesta.

[@purelychickens]

That’s pretty normal especially since they are still growing new feathers

[@shannonsweeley237]

@@purelychickens thank you!

[@kristibeckett3322]

What if my coop has sand on the bottom? Do I need to do anything besides spray it down?

[@purelychickens]

@@kristibeckett3322 I have sand in my run and have no issues with just leaving it be. I would spray it in the coop though and let it dry out

[@bearballewFam]

How do you get the mites off you and clothes? Hot water hot shower?

[@4essentialbalancellc177]

On the directions or says to use every 14 days

[@purelychickens]

@@4essentialbalancellc177 I’ve never found the need for that

[@hollyt9147]

I can't access your article. Says I do not have permission

[@catheriner1742]

I can't get into the parasite article

[@naegwut]

Nice chicken shirt

[@Tanyasmith-yx1in]

5 Tbsp for 5 gallons

[@kintero27]

Your article is locked. Why did you put it on square space?

[@purelychickens]

@@kintero27 sorry about that! I think I linked it from my admin link! Here it is… purelychickens.com/mites

[@kintero27]

@@purelychickens thank you so much. Dealing with mites and cleaned out the coop and bleached everything. Then used elector psp. Got to be the worst year of mites.

[@brilyons14]

Can you tell me where you get it from having a hard time finding it local. Don't want to purchase from a spam link.

[@purelychickens]

@@brilyons14 I’ve only ever seen it from valley vet’s website. Some people buy from them and then bottle it in little sizes and sell them on Etsy and their own website but I don’t trust that

[@colleenhindley]

Wait... They can ABSOLUTELY transfer onto humans. This is bad information. Especially the northern fowl mites. Just picking up a chicken for a moment can get them on you!

[@purelychickens]

@@colleenhindley yes they get on you but they aren’t going to lay eggs and live on you like they do chickens ;)

[@colleenhindley]

​@@purelychickens they can live on humans, just can't reproduce with human blood. That doesn't mean they won't make you home for a week until they die

[@ShahzadHussain295]

❤❤❤

[@christiereynolds1335]

$155.00 is not "kinda expensive", it is extremely extended expensive. Most people today CANNOT afford what you're recommending. I guess you don't know who your views/followers really are. NOT the elite, girl.

[@purelychickens]

The bottle lasts for many many treatments. You can easily find chicken keepers to split it with or save it for years as it doesn’t expire. I’m suggesting it because it’s full proof. And one time use and it’s done, you’re welcome to buy something else and use it over and over until they are gone but you’ll spend more in the end :) I have no affiliation with the company they don’t even know who I am so just an honest review of what works and saves time

[@cheryllady749]

If you go to The Chicken Chick, she sells, on her site, enough to make up a gallon, I believe, for $20.

[@roadragemustang]

I am by no means elite but it's well worth it I've spent triple that on ridiculous stuff and products trying to rid parasites as I have 35 chickens elector psp is incredible

[@luvdpugs]

How about Captain Jack's spinosad as an alternative? It's at Armstrongs and Home Depo.

[@marcelapasmore9261]

​@cheryllady749 That is a great option if you have a small flock (5-7 chickens) and small area to treat. One gallon goes quick.