Tuesday, February 5, 2013

The not so glamorous side

of raising chickens that is. Last Thursday morning when I went out to clean and feed I noticed Betty had a couple small black dots on her comb. Friday morning when I went out to clean and feed I noticed all four of my girls had black colored dots (scabs) on their combs. What was going on! Something very contagious was happening with the girls. There were no signs of anything being wrong and then within 24 hours all my girls were showing signs of something... but what...

I was sure it more than pecking and after researching online I assumed it was mites. Mites are a common in fowl and are spread by wild animals and birds. Well we sure have wild animals in our area. Coyotes, rabbits, squirrel, bob cats and an occasional mountain lion not to mention all the birds.  They say it's not a "if" but "when" you will get hit with them.  These pest are sort of like fleas in that if there's one you know there are more except much worse they feed off blood like a tic and in extreme cases can kill their host.

I took a photo of Betty and Lucy's combs down to the feed store for confirmation. I then dusted the coop with human grade DE and the girls with an organic powder. I also painted vegetable oil over the wood and in the cracks prior dusting.

Good news is I caught it early and treated right away so I am hopeful we got it handled.  I guess one good thing that comes from obsessing over my animals is I pick up the little things early on.

Fast forward to today, the spots are all but gone and there are no new ones that have popped up.
Here they are enjoying some dandelions.

The girls are happy, healthy and the music man built a door so they can go into their play yard without my help.

Life is SO good.


8 comments:

  1. Poor girls! Thanks goodness they have such wonderful owners that take care of them. And kudos to the Music Man for making things much easier for them. :)

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    1. Thanks Kar
      I'm glad I was able to catch it super early. I never saw any but the scabs on the comb are a strong sign. I clean the coop everyday but I guess it's a common problem. They are happy girls.

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  2. Oh no! I'm glad you caught it early and treated it. How scary. Sounds like you treated it well and I'm sure it is taken care of. You're so right about paying attention - it does help to give them a once over each day so you can notice any changes, even small ones.

    They really are enjoying those greens! It's so fun to watch them be happy and do their chicken thing :)

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    1. Hi Tammy
      I hope so and it seems like I did. Darn I clean their coop every day and was surprised to see the scabs on their combs. Although I never saw a mite I decided not wait but jump on it right away. Have you every had any problems with your girls? Do you do any prevention care to your coop?

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  3. OMGEE thank god they are ok those cutie pies!!

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    1. Hi friend
      I know me too! That was so weird. I assumed and went in big to make sure if they were there they'd be done now... and they are phew...

      xox
      Jen

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  4. You're a good chicken mama, catching that so early! They loved those greens - yummy! I love sneaking a peak at your flock :-)

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  5. Thanks chicken mama! Please tell Brandi hi for me, she so cute. I am hoping to ad sheep and goats to our home this year as we move towards more self sustaining. Thanks for swinging by.

    Jen

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