Various / 31 Aug 2006

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Tippler Subject Category: 

Just finished spraying the birds and I thought to share my method that works
quite well for me in eliminating parasites from the feathers. I use a powder
that mixes with water called SEVIN-5 and spray each bird individually. I
hold the bird in the manner as shown in the photo (by the outstretched
wings), which allows me to spray over and under all parts of the bird
including under the wings. A common spray bottled is used I spray the bird
completely until wet and leave it in the fly pen on a nice sunny day to dry
off.

I do this twice per year - in the spring and in and around September before
the major molt really starts. My brother dunks the birds instead in the same
solution somewhat of a faster method but I don't think as effective in
penetrating all areas. By the way this solution can also be used to spray
floors and walls of the loft to further control bugs.

Further to this on a weekly basis, to remain parasite free and to improve
the gloss to the feathers, I use bath salts with natural oils. According to
the label on the bottle it too disinfects the feather coat and eliminates
vermin, promotes moulting of the down and eliminates skin flaking. I can
vouch for its effect the birds do look healthier and I notice a difference.

Between these two methods I seldom find bugs on the feathers and have some
nicely feathered birds. Hope this is of some help to some of you.

Luka

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Additional comments by others regarding this information:
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Hi Luka,
I also use a spray to kill the feather bugs. My favorite brand is Bio-Kill.

This year I sprayed the birds just once in the hottest summer, but I spray
the nests and loft corners on monthly bases in warmer weather. No problems
with bugs that way.

I like the grip you use on your birds. I try to protect their eyes from the
spray and hold them backwards - I mean I hold the bird from front, over the
head, but that way it leaves the bird wing ends and a lot of the body free
to flap. Tomorrow I will practice the combination of our methods:-)

Take care,
Frank
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Luka,
Thank you for your impute into debugging the birds. I use Ivermectin, 3
drops per bird followed up in 2 weeks with a dusting of pyrethren dust (
hope this is spelled right). The problem with only a single application is
that eggs will re hatch and re infest the birds at a latter date. For those
who like an organic approach, the pyrethren is made from the flower of the
chrysanthemum family and is completely natural. The Belgium outfit also
sells a under wing spray which is organic and appears to work well too.
Larry

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Hi Luka Im using IVOPMEC Provides control of worms and BAGS just ad in the
water it is great staf

Nash Milic
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Evening Luka

Have you got a kit ready for your October Fly ? This is a great method for
cleaning the birds but I would just like to warn our friends to carefully
read labels before application of any chemicals to the feathers. I once
sprayed what I thought was permithrim under the wings of a young bird only
to find a day or two later large sores where I had sprayed. Now the bird
survived but when I went back and read the fine print it had something nasty
in it. A liquid called Malawash is popular here due to its awesome potency
but again I know showbirds have been poisoned when a guy dipped his birds in
this stuff. So a very good topic, just thought it worth noting the hazards.

As for us Aussie Tipplermen ????

Jon Winchester


Submitted by Luka Kapac on 31 Aug 06