How to use S76 as a preventative

[Red_Rose]

When I got my little finches, I had read about air sac mites so I bought some S76 so I could use it as a preventative.

What I would like to know is do I have to treat them as per the instructions of the person in the 13th post in this thread when using it as a preventative or is that only for birds that are actually sick with mites? I figured that you would only need to use it for the two days for one week when using it to prevent the mites.

Also, how often should it be used as a preventative?

Thanks in advance!

[debbie276]

S76 is not a preventative it will only kill any mites your bird has and not prevent the birds from getting them. Therefore the instructions would be the same as for a treatment.

[mayble]

I think in this case, "preventative" really means "just in case".
It won't prevent the birds from getting mites if they are subsequently exposed, but it will kill any mites the bird is already carrying even if it isn't showing any symptoms. Unfortunately it doesn't work like the flea products for dogs that provide long-term protection - it works while you use it but there aren't any residual effects.
Considering that mites can live in the environment waiting for the chance to pounce again, some people use it on a regular schedule to nip any potential infestations in the bud, similar to deworming. As Debbie said, the dosage is the same.

[dfcauley]

I have had loads of discussions about air sac mites with Laraine.... the mites have to have a host in order to live. Stress will cause the mites to come as they lay dormant in most gouldians (according to Laraine) She recommends treating your birds every six weeks with S76 (which I do not do) I have found it mixed with the water to not be very effective in my aviary for some reason. I have chose to use Scatt individually on the bird I suspect to have mites. That is just what I do....

[debbie276]

I Scatt all incoming birds during quarantine. Only once did I have a hen come in with ASM, got treated during quarantine and never had a relapse. Nor have any of my other birds ever have them over the 14+ years I've had gouldians. Personally I don't think ASM are as much of an epidemic as they say it is.