[Izzy]

We ended up chookless several months ago. (Mr Mink.) Our black rock hybrids were great but as they were 5 y.o. they weren't as productive as they had been. We'd also had a problem with red mite the last 2 summers so decided this was the chance for a good detox for the henhoose.
 
It has been hen-free for at least 8 weeks but when I took it apart last week it still contained live red mites!!!
 
I have removed the roof and taken the walls and floor apart and left all the sections out to get the worst of the weather. My plan is to leave the sections out for a few weeks, then bring them into a byre to dry out. I'll then scrub with a wire &/or nylon brush and creocote all the outside and the joints/seams inside.
 
I hope to get this done in good time for new POL girls arriving in March.
 
What do you think of my plans? What have I missed out? I think I will dust the new girls on arrival, and then start a programme of regular dusting. I'm not convinced that some red mite don't spend the day on the bird.

[chrismahon]

This weather the red mite will be on the birds, having laid their eggs in the coop Issy. Can survive at least 6 months simply by eating each other -it only takes one with eggs to survive and start it all again.


Only option is to dismantle, turn upside-down, creosote and reassemble. Give a month to air before new birds are introduced.

[Marches Farmer]

Did all that and left the houses outside for a year in temperatures that went down to -13 at times.  Red mite still in residence.

[mentalmilly]

We had a bad infestation of red mites and put the hens in a separate hut then creosote the infected hut.  Takes a while to dry out but it worked for us.  Very little sign of mites now and we dust regularly.  I also wash down the perches and while they are still damp sprinkle and spread louse powder over them.  This works a treat and when the little mites come out they have to walk over the powder to get to the hens. Instant death hopefully.  Hope this helps.

[Izzy]

Thank you all for your suggestions. Will keep you posted.