The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Backinwellies on August 09, 2014, 10:59:17 am

Title: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: Backinwellies on August 09, 2014, 10:59:17 am

There is lots of talk about dealing with mites/lice etc on hens ........... what about ducks?
 Anyone used ivomectin or frontline on ducks?   Dealing with big mite problem and am fed up of coming in covered in mites after just opening the poultry house door! (though am getting less daily after diacom dusting )

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 09, 2014, 07:59:44 pm

This is the first time I've heard of an infestation, Backinwellies! I think duck mites are a slightly different variety but I would treat the same. I would find it difficult to treat the ducks themselves but the house I'd do the same as hens'. Can you catch your ducks and dust them with diatom at least?
If you use chemicals you might have to withdraw eggs, it will probably say on the packet or ask the vet if in doubt!
Good luck, I hope you can get this under control, nasty beasties...

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: twizzel on August 09, 2014, 09:01:44 pm

Just out of interest are red mite attracted to ducks as well or is it more chicken that they pry on?

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: Backinwellies on August 10, 2014, 08:31:50 am

Ducks and hens suffer from the same mites. My ducks and hens share the same run and the ducks often find their way into the hen house ....  a Google search tells me that the same medications can be used I just wondered if anyone here had used them.

I have ducted with diatom .... but having read that Frontline can be used and lasts a month (preventing reinfestation rather than keep dusting (both me and poultry breathing in dust ) seemed a better option.

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: HesterF on August 12, 2014, 04:57:01 pm

Are they still laying? Not sure how Frontline is with eggs.....

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: Clansman on August 13, 2014, 11:36:19 am

I run chickens and ducks together but never found mites on any of the ducks.

Do your ducks have access to bathing water? I assumed the mites just didn't like getting wet

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: Backinwellies on August 13, 2014, 11:49:00 am

Hi

My ducks prefer free ranging over a large field and dabbling in the small stream to swimming ... so no I guess the mites don't get very wet!    Think I have decided to frontline the hens (who are moulting not laying now anyway) and diatom the houses and ducks...

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 13, 2014, 11:57:58 pm

maybe it might make a difference long-term if your ducks can have a paddle. Mine just have an old sandpit as it's easy to clean. Just an idea worth a try?
Funny, my ducks are moulting but not the hens  ???

Title: Re: Dealing with duck parasites
Post by: Backinwellies on August 14, 2014, 07:58:48 am

I bought a large  deep round rubber feed bowl which they have access too ... only one duck has ever got in it!..... they all drink from it.