Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the nits from their feathers. Birds not provided with a good dust bath will often dust
in the litter creating fecal dust and potential respiratory problems. Dust baths can also
cause respiratory problems so it is important that they not create too much airborne
particle matter that could be irritating to the hens. Many different ingredients can be
included in a dust bath, but some are more effective than others. The benefit of the
bath must outweigh the potential harm to the hen's lungs (and yours). I have found a
good bath mix to be wood ash, agricultural lime, diatomaceous earth (DE), and cedar
chips. I incorporate this mix into the driest section of the bedding where the hens typ-
ically dust anyway. When the dusty ingredients are mixed with cedar shavings and
bedding they create less airborne dust.
Should a severe outbreak occur, birds can be dusted individually with pyrethrum
and DE. It is very important to protect your lungs and the bird's lungs when doing
this. I wear a good dust mask and dust the birds with the “shake and bake” method.
This involves putting the bird in a small feed bag containing and equal mix of DE
and pyrethrum powder with the bird's head protruding from the bag opening. I then
hold the bag closed and shake gently making sure I get the mixture up into the downy
feathers around the vent. This technique is best undertaken at night to keep the birds
calm. You want to place the birds gently back on their roosts so the mix stays in their
feathers all night. Pyrethrum has a short effective period, especially once exposed to
light, and if this method is used during the day, or the birds shake it all out of their
feathers, it probably will not be very effective. Other treatments for lice include ap-
plying lime to runs or bedding; painting roosts and nest boxes with mineral oil;
adding cedar, elecampane, fleabane, or wormwood to nest boxes; or feeding garlic
(this will affect egg flavor).
The foundation of any health-care system for your hens should be good nutrition
and healthy living conditions for strong natural immunity. With these key advantages
hens should lead long, productive lives. However, as with any animal, aging will
have an effect on a hen's ability to maintain production and health. Giving her a little
extra support and carefully observing her needs and behavior will go a long way to
extending her productive life.
