fur mites on new babies

[SunnyBuns]

I am hoping that someone here might have some advice for me. We have been raising meet rabbits for a few years now. We worm the rabbits quarterly with ivomec since they get outside time in a "rabbit run" that we call the hopper. None of our adult rabbits are showing signs of fur mites but we just had 2 litters of babies and they are showing signs of fur mites. I'm wondering if it's coming from the hay we are using for the nest boxes. We have cows and llamas so we have a lot of hay around and consequently mice are an issue at times.

My question is how do you treat 1 week old babies for fur mites? If I dose the mom will it get into her milk and treat the babies? It is such a small amount for the adults I can't imagine being able to properly dose a baby that is nursing and still has it's eyes closed so it's not eating. Any ideas?

TIA

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Are you sure it is fur mites? Sometimes babies get dandruff.

I use food grade Diatomaceous Earth to treat mites. Just put a little in your hands and smooth it over the kits. If it is mites, that should take care of the problem. I have only ever had to use one application, but more eggs may hatch so you may have to repeat the application.

 

[SunnyBuns]

Thanks! I'll give that a try.