itchy hens

[NigellasDealer]

first time chicken keeper here!

we just moved to an old farmhouse whose land has been sold off but still has a big yard and brick outbuildings. What better housewarming present then from our lovely neighbour than 12 ex battery hens and a rooster!

when they arrived they did look pretty hard done by but in just over a week they are coming on beautifully and one of them has even started laying.

they do seem to be a bit itchy though. should I treat them all just in case of mites, fleas, lice etc? if so what should I use?

Dust with diatom.
This is meant to keep mites at bay although our coop is a mass of mites at the moment. We've dusted sprayed brushed, everything short of slinging it on the bonfire. Can't shift the buggers. Chooks have moved out and are sleeping in the flower beds.
Watching closely for any other ideas.

thanks very much willyou!