This is based on the veterinary advice to not consume eggs from treated birds for up to 14 days (2 weeks). EGG WITHHOLD
So you can imagine the idea of horror that fills a chicken owner's mind when we are told to "bin the eggs".
Since mites are the most active in the warmer months there is a sweet spot in the calendar that makes it a bit more bearable, in particular for those of us who own heritage hens rather than hybrids. Heritage hens have a laying cycle that has a rest period, unlike the hybrids who usually lay all year round.
So this is more good news for HERITAGE chicken owners (sorry Hybrid owners).
Around March, most hens slow down or stop laying due to the moulting season.
You know the one, where you come home to find feathers are everywhere in the yard and you fear a fox attack has occurred, or at least someone had an awesome pillow fight.
When moulting begins, egg laying ceases and usually mites are at their worst at this time.
Its chicken coop cleaning time. I mean a BIG ONE!
If you apply Ivermectin, you need to take the whole process seriously so that mites can be fully eradicated.
HOW IS IVERMECTIN APPLIED?
By a single drop on the back of the neck of each hen.
Part the feathers to drop onto the skin.
Just as you would do for a dog or cat.
HOW MUCH IS GIVEN?
It is based on the formulation of the Pour On.
You will need to weigh your hens, find an average and your vet will calculate the amount of what makes "a drop".
Some formulations are more watered down, so a drawback syringe is recommended for measurement application.
HOW DO I CATCH MY CHICKENS TO PUT IT ON?
Wait until evening when they all jump up onto their roosting rails for the night.
Grab a friend if you need an extra hand, but you might find it easy enough to do on your own.
They do not need to be lifted off of the perch (if they have mites they will then get onto you), just part their neck feathers, place the drop and you are done.
IS IVERMECTIN ALSO USED FOR WORMING?
For many years I was led to believe it was not, but on researching into further studies, it shows it is also a wormer.
ALL ADVICE GIVEN is for Australians only.
Please seek veterinary advice before administering medications to your poultry to ensure their best dosage. Overdosing could occur and be more harmful than good.