Help my goats are infested with lice

[ahahahni1]

I adopted some milk goats last week and still trying to learn a lot about care for them. Today we were trimming their nails and I noticed they had dandruff and then looked closer and little dark grey bugs were all over them! What do I dust them with and what is okay to use when I am milking one of them and another one is pregnant?

[maliburun]

I have lice too, which I just discovered, its unfortunate, but a good wormer might do it, I shaved my two big ones and the lice has almost all disapeared, Im not going to dust them until my doe kids. I dontwant to hurt the babies, so I'll probably wait till summer, it doesnt hurt them, they are just itchy. Mine dont have bald spots or anything, its just annoying them so I'll take care of it when its safe. Good luck though

[farmergirl]

You can use diatomaceous earth powder, just rub it all over them, being sure to get it to the skin. If you want something that might be a little faster acting, you could try a pyrethrin based horse fly spray.

[Carrie C]

De-worm with ivermectin if they in case of sucking lice.
Dust, pyrethin dip (READ THE LABEL), or (my favorite solution) wet goat with diluted peppermint essential oil.
I've never tried DE but I know people who swear by it. You might give it a shot if is available in your area (I haven't found it in mine and shipping is a killer).
Edited to add: I've used the peppermint oil option on pregnant does, kids, milkers, etc.

[goatlover270]

About the lice, you can go on goatworld and they have ideas for that. I like to use to IVermectin Plus, it kills various lice and also worms them at same time. During times that the lice seem to come around, after a time of already worming, the sevin dust 5% is great but NOT good for pregnant does and real youn kids. The sucking lice can be very dangerous to kids and pregnant does, I know, as I had a go round with the situation and the vet said that sucking lice are the worst. It's a good thing humans can't get lice from goats,ewww
I find that my method works well for me, but everyone has their own.
Again, goatworld.com is a great place to find tips for just about ANYTHING.
Good Luck
God Bless have a nice day!

[kittyjo]

A friend of mine told me that she uses eucalyptus oil at the base of the neck and at the base of the tail haven't had to use it myself but it sounds better than chemicles