Cleaning the coop

[perkin]

Yes, I'm starting preventative treatment for red mite now that the weather is warming up. I just dust the roosting bars, cracks/crevices and nesting materials with diatomaceous earth each time I clean out. The chickens also get a dusting every week or two - or if they're being particularly evasive, I squirt it in their dust baths.

[VirginVegGrower]

I've been treating for red mite for a couple of weeks now. ie Diatom in corners and under perch rests, spray with Poultry Shield or Smite a couple of times a week. As the weather warms up I increase the number of times a week I spray under perches until its being done daily when I poo-pick, then full coop weekly with weekly clean out.
I'm hoping my new coops will be easier as theyre made of ply and creocote has been done in joins as they were made.
Its better to be a month too early than one day too late and have to treat when the little b^$$3"s have got themselves settled into the coop.

Yes, I'm starting preventative treatment for red mite now that the weather is warming up. I just dust the roosting bars, cracks/crevices and nesting materials with diatomaceous earth each time I clean out. The chickens also get a dusting every week or two - or if they're being particularly evasive, I squirt it in their dust baths.

Thanks to both of you - have been to get DE and will get puffing away with the little bottle.

[Feather]

Reading all this makes me realise yet again the advantage of an Eglu. Every week,winter and summer, lid off, perches, droppings tray and anywhere else that needs it scrubbed in disinfectant, all dried with old towel instantly, redmite powder sprinkled around just in case (never had any,) several layers of fresh newspaper in the droppings tray, (top one or two removed daily with overnight droppings) and all back together again in less than 15 minutes.

And then i just hose down the rubber chippings on the floor of my run and water with disinfectant, and everything's nice and clean and sweet smelling.

[chris]

Yes, that's a bonus of plastic. However, for people who are on either a budget, or don't wish to use plastic (for whatever reason - eco, economical, having a free coop, wanting to build their own) using DE, Smite, PS, etc are the ways in which they choose to tackle the issue.

Plus, I've read on various poultry related forums that having a plastic coop isn't the down right cure for redmite. I believe even after multiple cleaning out sessions, one person discovered that the mites had made a home inbetween the joins of the eglu and was shocked. Not sure if they do as you say, Feather or were cleaning as well as you do but worth pointing out both sides

Not to mention, some people have lined their wooden coops with easy clean surfaces.

Welcome to the vine by the way!

[VirginVegGrower]

Yes, that's a bonus of plastic. However, for people who are on either a budget, or don't wish to use plastic (for whatever reason - eco, economical, having a free coop, wanting to build their own) using DE, Smite, PS, etc are the ways in which they choose to tackle the issue.

Plus, I've read on various poultry related forums that having a plastic coop isn't the down right cure for redmite. I believe even after multiple cleaning out sessions, one person discovered that the mites had made a home inbetween the joins of the eglu and was shocked. Not sure if they do as you say, Feather or were cleaning as well as you do but worth pointing out both sides

Not to mention, some people have lined their wooden coops with easy clean surfaces.

Welcome to the vine by the way!

I didn't have a problem scrubbing out the wooden one - it is clad inside in ply. I have puffered the DE now inside the coop and will just keep it very clean. Have also puffered some in their chippings. Rather enjoyed a good bit of scrubbing

Thanks for welcome - this is a brilliant forum for both lottie and hen issues.

[chris]

hehe I know you are a regular now, I was saying hi to feahter! stop stealing their welcome

[gillian62]

Thanks for the advice folks. I have ordered some puffer bottle DE to ensure no problems with my chucks this year - I managed to evade any probs last year, but did have less chickens.

[Flummery]

I clean with a squirt of stuff called Virenza -it's supposed to be good against even bird flu but I can't swear to it - that's what it says on the label. I dust with red mite powder (which smells really rather lovely!) before re-hemping.

[VirginVegGrower]

OK here goes - I have been looking on my local animal feed place and also country pet shop type place. Both have a brand called Nettex. The latter also has one called Barrier. I have DE but there is something called red mite powder, also a liquid and then there is something that resembles pink windowlene in a trigger bottle. Thoughts/opinions please on best brand/most effective brand. Thank you.

[VirginVegGrower]

hehe I know you are a regular now, I was saying hi to feahter! stop stealing their welcome

Oops sozz - hee hee! I never got a welcome - where is mine then?!

Just been asking about Nettex and Barrier - have you heard of these brands and are they any good. Went mad in the chicken aisles and bought apple cider vinegar, poultry drink, rooster booster (think I could do with that myself)! I am exhausted...

[VirginVegGrower]

I've been treating for red mite for a couple of weeks now. ie Diatom in corners and under perch rests, spray with Poultry Shield or Smite a couple of times a week. As the weather warms up I increase the number of times a week I spray under perches until its being done daily when I poo-pick, then full coop weekly with weekly clean out.
I'm hoping my new coops will be easier as theyre made of ply and creocote has been done in joins as they were made.
Its better to be a month too early than one day too late and have to treat when the little b^$$3"s have got themselves settled into the coop.

Can i ask why you use two separate treatments please? Sorry but this is one dumb a$$ newbie on hen keeping. Just want to make sure I have this covered - have been browsing the shelves this afternoon and am more confused than ever.

[Suechooks]

Can i ask why you use two separate treatments please? Sorry but this is one dumb a$$ newbie on hen keeping. Just want to make sure I have this covered - have been browsing the shelves this afternoon and am more confused than ever.

Because I'm a belt and braces sort of person!!!!! And I'm paranoid about Red mite since having an outbreak a couple of years ago.
The Diatom is dry so can be used all the time as a preventive. Smite and Poultry Shield are dilute sprays. I only use one at a time! You can spray on top of the Diatom and it stays effective.
I try not to use wet sprays in the cold wet weather as leaving the coop damp can lead to respiratory problems hence the Diatom, which I use even in winter.
Birds also get powdered regularly with Louse powder to deter lice.

[squibbs]

I can smell them already - the coop has a particular smell when they are about so I would start now with whatever your preference is - mine is Smite.

[VirginVegGrower]

Because I'm a belt and braces sort of person!!!!! And I'm paranoid about Red mite since having an outbreak a couple of years ago.
The Diatom is dry so can be used all the time as a preventive. Smite and Poultry Shield are dilute sprays. I only use one at a time! You can spray on top of the Diatom and it stays effective.
I try not to use wet sprays in the cold wet weather as leaving the coop damp can lead to respiratory problems hence the Diatom, which I use even in winter.
Birds also get powdered regularly with Louse powder to deter lice.

Am I right in thinking the Diatom can be used on the hens to rid lice as well or do you use something separately there too? I have no knowledge so need all the help I can get please.

[VirginVegGrower]

I can smell them already - the coop has a particular smell when they are about so I would start now with whatever your preference is - mine is Smite.

Crikey - maybe it was a good job I got the ***** out then. What is the smell like as I have no idea - am almost afraid to ask? I have just been reading about Smite and Poultry Shield, neither of which I have seen for sale around me.