External parasites

[redleg23]

I have owned a dozen homers for 3 weeks now and I noticed a bug moving around on a few of there necks. I researched and found that mites and lice are occasionally found on poultry. I purchased some dust and just finished applying it to the birds. Has anyone had a parasite problem before? I am hoping my loft is not fully infested and can anyone suggest a follow up treatment and how often. I'm hoping the parasites were on the birds when I purchased them but they showed no sign until a few days ago. The container does not specify a time frame for a second treatment. Also these bugs have multiple legs and are a light brown or greenish color. thanks

[Charis]

Has anyone had a parasite problem before?


Hello!!
External and internal parasites are a problem.
I would suggest spraying the loft now and in a couple of weeks and after that each month throughout the summer to break the cycle.
You can buy a spray called Seven at any garden store.

[Trees Gray]

Also, allow your birds alot of access to bathing, that will help keep the numbers down between treatment.

This is another parasite that pigeons can get, the pigeon fly, they slide in out of pigeons feathers.

http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creat...pigeon_fly.htm

[kippermom]

I dust all of the corners and cracks of the loft and the nest boxes with food grade diatomaceous earth weekly...really keeps the little bugs to a minimum and is not harmful to the birds or the environment.

[Msfreebird]

I use diatomaceous earth and Sevin Dust.

[Jay3]

I think it's good when you clean the nestboxs, to use either diatomaceous earth, or a spray in the cracks.