What should you do if chickens have ticks?

Understanding the Tick Threat to Chickens

Identifying Ticks on Chickens

Visual Inspection and Common Hiding Spots

Regular visual checks are essential for early detection of tick infestations in poultry. Examine each bird from the beak to the vent, paying close attention to feather bases, leg joints, and underwing areas where ticks often attach. Use a bright light and a handheld magnifier if necessary to spot small, darkened bodies or moving parasites.

Common hiding spots include:

The feather shaft near the neck and back, where ticks can embed between plumage.
The vent region and cloacal opening, offering a warm, protected environment.
The leg folds and toe webs, especially around the patagial joint.
Under the wings, where the skin is thin and less disturbed by routine handling.
The base of the tail feathers, which provides a concealed pocket for attachment.

During inspection, gently part the feathers to expose the skin. Look for engorged, oval-shaped parasites or small, pale nodules that may indicate early-stage ticks. Remove any found ticks with fine tweezers, grasping close to the mouthparts to avoid leaving remnants. Record the location and number of ticks for each bird to monitor the spread and assess the effectiveness of control measures.

Symptoms of Tick Infestation

Tick infestations in poultry manifest through observable changes in behavior, appearance, and health. Affected chickens often exhibit increased restlessness, frequently shaking or preening to dislodge attached parasites. Visible signs include small, darkened spots on the skin, especially around the vent, legs, and under the wings, where ticks attach and feed. Feathers may appear ragged or missing in these areas due to irritation and scratching.

Other clinical indicators are:

Rapid weight loss despite normal feed intake
Reduced egg production and thinner shells
Pale or yellowish combs and wattles, reflecting anemia or blood loss
Swollen or reddened skin around attachment sites, sometimes with crusted scabs
Lethargy and decreased flock activity, suggesting systemic stress

If multiple birds display several of these symptoms, immediate intervention is required to prevent further spread and secondary infections. Monitoring the flock regularly for these signs enables prompt detection and treatment of tick problems.

Immediate Actions for Tick Removal

Safe Removal Techniques

When chickens are found with ticks, immediate and careful removal prevents blood loss, skin irritation, and disease transmission. Follow these steps to extract parasites safely:

Isolate the affected birds. Place them in a clean, well‑ventilated area to reduce stress and limit spread to the rest of the flock.
Prepare a clean work surface. Use a disposable towel or a sterilized cloth; have gloves, tweezers with fine tips, and a disinfectant solution (e.g., diluted iodine or chlorhexidine) ready.
Secure the bird gently. Hold the chicken firmly but without squeezing, supporting the legs and wings to keep it still.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Use the tweezers to pinch the head or mouthparts, avoiding crushing the body, which could release pathogens.
Pull upward with steady pressure. Maintain a straight line of force; do not twist or jerk, which risks leaving mouthparts embedded.
Inspect the bite site. After removal, examine the area for residual parts; if any remain, repeat the grip and pull technique.
Disinfect the wound. Apply a small amount of the prepared antiseptic to prevent secondary infection.
Dispose of the tick properly. Submerge it in alcohol or place it in a sealed container before discarding to eliminate any viable organisms.
Sanitize equipment and hands. Clean tweezers and wash gloves thoroughly; wash hands with soap and water after glove removal.

After treatment, monitor the birds for signs of anemia, lethargy, or skin irritation. Conduct a thorough inspection of the coop, bedding, and surrounding vegetation, removing debris and applying appropriate acaricides if necessary. Regular grooming, dust bathing, and maintaining low humidity reduce future infestations.

Tools and Supplies for Tick Removal

When chickens become infested with ticks, immediate removal prevents blood loss and disease transmission. Effective extraction relies on a set of specialized instruments and supporting supplies.

Fine‑tipped tweezers or straight‑edge forceps: grip the tick close to the skin without crushing the body.
Tick‑removal hook or specialized tick‑removal tool: slide under the mouthparts for clean detachment.
Magnifying glass or headlamp: enhance visibility of small or partially hidden ticks.
Disposable nitrile gloves: protect the handler from pathogen exposure and avoid contaminating the bird’s skin.

After the tick is removed, disinfect the bite site and maintain a sterile environment. Required supplies include:

Antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine): cleanse the wound to reduce infection risk.
Topical antibiotic ointment: apply to the puncture area for additional protection.
Alcohol wipes or spray: sterilize tools between each removal.
Sealable biohazard bag or container: store extracted ticks for identification or safe disposal.
Clean disposable towels or gauze: dry the area and prevent cross‑contamination.

Preparation steps ensure efficiency and safety. Assemble all items on a clean tray before approaching the flock. Replace gloves and disinfect tools after each bird. Store unused supplies in a dry, temperature‑controlled location to preserve efficacy.

Post-Removal Care

After extracting ticks from a flock, begin by cleaning each bird’s skin. Use a mild antiseptic solution—such as diluted chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine—and gently wipe the treated area to remove residual saliva and debris. Rinse with clean water and dry with a disposable cloth.

Provide supportive care to reduce stress. Offer fresh water, high‑quality feed, and a quiet environment. Monitor the birds for at least 48 hours, watching for signs of irritation, secondary infection, or blood loss. Record any abnormalities and consult a veterinarian if lesions worsen or systemic symptoms appear.

Sanitize the coop to prevent re‑infestation:

Remove bedding, clean surfaces with a barn‑safe disinfectant, and let them dry completely.
Inspect perches, nesting boxes, and ventilation openings for hidden ticks; vacuum or brush away any found.
Apply a poultry‑approved acaricide to the environment following label instructions, focusing on cracks and crevices.

Implement a preventive schedule. Conduct weekly visual inspections, maintain low humidity, and rotate pasture or range areas to disrupt tick life cycles. Keep a log of treatments and observations to track effectiveness and adjust protocols as needed.

Preventing Tick Infestations in Your Flock

Environmental Management

Maintaining a Clean Coop and Run

A clean coop and run are essential for controlling tick infestations in a flock. Regular removal of manure, spilled feed, and damp bedding eliminates the humid environment ticks need to survive. Replace litter weekly, and wash all perches, nesting boxes, and water containers with hot, soapy water at least once a month.

Implement a routine that includes:

Scrubbing the floor and walls with a diluted bleach solution (1 % concentration) to kill eggs and larvae.
Drying the entire area thoroughly after cleaning; moisture encourages tick development.
Inspecting and trimming vegetation around the run to reduce shade and leaf litter where ticks hide.
Applying a safe, poultry‑approved acaricide to the perimeter of the run according to label instructions, repeating treatment every 2–3 weeks during peak tick season.

Separate sick birds from the healthy population while cleaning to prevent cross‑contamination. Use disposable gloves and a dedicated set of tools for the affected area, then disinfect them before reuse.

Monitor the coop daily for attached ticks, especially on the vent area and under the wings. Prompt removal with tweezers reduces the chance of breeding and limits spread to the environment.

Consistent sanitation, moisture control, and targeted chemical treatment form a comprehensive strategy that minimizes tick survival and protects flock health.

Landscaping and Vegetation Control

Ticks thrive in dense, moist vegetation where chickens forage. Reducing habitat suitability through strategic landscaping directly lowers the risk of infestation.

Maintain short, regularly mowed grass around coops. Trim hedges and remove leaf litter to eliminate humid micro‑environments that support tick development.

Implement vegetation control measures:

Clear brush and low‑lying shrubs within a 10‑meter perimeter of the coop.
Replace tick‑friendly plants with groundcovers that dry quickly, such as clover or thyme.
Install a gravel or sand barrier between the coop and surrounding pasture to create a dry, inhospitable zone.
Use mulches that discourage tick survival, e.g., coarse bark or pine straw, and keep them thin.

Apply targeted acaricide treatments only where necessary, selecting products approved for use around poultry. Consider biological alternatives, such as entomopathogenic nematodes, which reduce tick populations without chemical residues.

Establish a monitoring routine: inspect chickens weekly, examine the coop’s exterior for tick presence, and adjust mowing frequency as weather conditions change. Consistent landscape management combined with selective control methods provides an effective, sustainable solution to tick problems in poultry environments.

Natural Predators and Repellents

When chickens become infested with ticks, introducing natural enemies can reduce parasite numbers without chemicals. Predatory insects such as predatory mites (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) consume tick eggs and larvae, interrupting the life cycle. Ground‑dwelling beetles, especially rove beetles (Staphylinidae), hunt tick nymphs in litter. Certain bird species—such as swallows, sparrows, and quail—actively pick up ticks while foraging. Small mammals like shrews and hedgehogs also prey on free‑living ticks, though their presence should be managed to avoid predation on chickens.

Complementary repellents create an environment hostile to ticks. Effective options include:

Diatomaceous earth: a fine silica powder that desiccates arthropods on contact; apply a thin layer to coop floors and perches.
Essential oil sprays: mixtures of lavender, rosemary, and citronella diluted in water deter ticks; spray weekly on nesting boxes and runways.
Herbal bedding: incorporate dried mint, thyme, or oregano into straw; volatile compounds repel ticks and improve coop odor.
Wood ash: spread a light coating on dust baths; alkaline particles irritate tick cuticles.
Citrus peel mulch: grated orange or lemon rind placed around coop perimeter releases limonene, a known tick repellent.

Maintain clean litter, rotate bedding, and provide ample dust‑bathing areas to encourage chickens’ self‑grooming, which further removes attached ticks. Combining biological control agents with non‑synthetic repellents offers a sustainable strategy for managing tick infestations in poultry flocks.

Flock Health and Husbandry Practices

Regular Health Checks

Regular health examinations are essential when a flock shows signs of tick infestation. Systematic inspections allow early detection of secondary infections, anemia, and skin damage caused by parasites. Conducting these checks on a consistent schedule reduces the risk of severe health decline and supports timely intervention.

A practical routine includes:

Visual inspection of each bird at least once a week, focusing on the vent area, legs, and underwings where ticks commonly attach.
Palpation of the skin to identify hidden engorged mites or early-stage lesions.
Recording body weight, feather condition, and any observable behavioral changes such as reduced feed intake or lethargy.
Monitoring blood parameters quarterly, especially hematocrit levels, to detect anemia caused by blood‑sucking ticks.
Evaluating coop cleanliness and environmental humidity, as damp conditions favor tick survival.

Documentation of findings creates a reference for trend analysis. Note the date, individual bird ID, and specific observations. Compare successive records to assess the effectiveness of control measures and adjust treatment protocols accordingly.

Integrating health checks with other management practices—such as regular pasture rotation, proper sanitation, and targeted acaricide application—maximizes overall flock resilience. Consistent vigilance ensures that tick‑related issues are identified promptly, treated efficiently, and prevented from escalating into broader health crises.

Dust Baths and Other Natural Defenses

When chickens become infested with ticks, providing opportunities for natural defense mechanisms can reduce parasite loads without relying on chemicals. Dust baths are the most effective self‑cleaning behavior. A dry, coarse substrate—such as sand, fine wood ash, diatomaceous earth, or a mixture of shredded pine shavings and soil—should be placed in a shallow, well‑ventilated area. Chickens will roll, fluff feathers, and dislodge ticks, which then fall into the loose material and are unable to reattach. Refresh the bath regularly to prevent buildup of waste and maintain abrasive quality.

Additional innate defenses complement dust bathing:

Sun exposure: Direct sunlight dries the skin and creates an environment hostile to ticks. Ensure the coop has a sunny perch or an outdoor run with open access.
Preening: Regular feather grooming spreads natural oils that can irritate parasites. Provide perch space and encourage movement to stimulate this behavior.
Grit consumption: Coarse grit aids in mechanical removal of ectoparasites during digestion. Offer a separate grit container with clean, sharp particles.
Vegetative barriers: Planting rosemary, lavender, or thyme around the run releases volatile oils that repel ticks. Maintain a low, trimmed border to avoid hiding spots for insects.

Implementing these measures creates a multi‑layered defense system, reduces reliance on chemical treatments, and supports overall flock health. Regular inspection of birds, combined with the described natural practices, forms a comprehensive response to tick infestations.

Nutritional Support for Resilience

When chickens are infested with ticks, their bodies require nutrients that bolster immune function and support tissue repair. A diet that supplies adequate protein, essential fatty acids, and micronutrients enhances resilience and speeds recovery after acaricide treatment.

Protein sources such as soybeans, fish meal, or mealworms should constitute 16‑20 % of the ration. High‑quality protein supplies the amino acids needed for antibody synthesis and skin regeneration. Include omega‑3‑rich ingredients—flaxseed, chia seeds, or fish oil—to reduce inflammation caused by tick bites.

Key micronutrients and their practical inclusion:

Vitamin E – add 200 IU per kilogram of feed; protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.
Vitamin A – provide through carrots, sweet potatoes, or fortified mash; supports mucosal immunity.
Zinc – supplement with zinc sulfate at 50 ppm; essential for wound healing.
Selenium – incorporate 0.3 ppm via selenium‑yeast; enhances leukocyte activity.
Vitamin C – offer citrus peel or a commercial supplement; aids collagen formation.

Electrolyte balance must be maintained, especially if ticks cause blood loss. Provide fresh water enriched with a low‑salt electrolyte solution (2 g sodium chloride and 5 g potassium chloride per liter) to prevent dehydration and maintain cellular function.

Probiotic additives, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, improve gut flora, which indirectly strengthens systemic immunity. A daily dose of 1 × 10⁹ CFU per bird can be mixed into the feed.

Implementing these nutritional measures alongside regular tick control creates a comprehensive strategy that reduces susceptibility, accelerates healing, and sustains overall flock health.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Solutions

Approved Tick Treatments for Poultry

When chickens become infested with ticks, immediate treatment with products authorized for poultry is essential. Only medications evaluated and listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for avian use should be applied, because off‑label drugs may leave harmful residues in eggs and meat.

Approved options include:

Permethrin spray (0.5 % concentration). Apply to the coop, perches, and nesting boxes after removing birds. Re‑treat every 7 days until the infestation clears. Observe a 48‑hour withdrawal period before collecting eggs.
Pyrethrin dust (2 % active ingredient). Dust the floor and roosting areas, allowing birds to roam for at least 4 hours before cleaning. No egg withdrawal is required, but a 24‑hour observation period for adverse reactions is recommended.
Acaricide‑treated bedding containing deltamethrin (0.05 %). Replace bedding weekly; the chemical remains effective for up to 14 days. No egg withdrawal needed, provided bedding is not directly ingested.
Ivermectin injectable (approved for specific poultry species). Administer 0.2 mg/kg body weight via intramuscular injection, repeat after 7 days. Observe a 7‑day egg withdrawal period; meat withdrawal is 14 days.

Treatments not listed for poultry—such as organophosphate sprays, carbaryl, or over‑the‑counter human tick products—should be avoided. Their use can cause toxicity, egg contamination, and legal repercussions.

After treatment, implement biosecurity measures: clean and disinfect the coop, replace litter, and inspect new birds before introduction. Regular monitoring for ticks and maintaining a dry, well‑ventilated environment reduce the likelihood of reinfestation.

Consultation with a Veterinarian

When chickens become infested with ticks, professional veterinary advice is essential for accurate diagnosis and safe treatment. A veterinarian can identify the tick species, assess the severity of the infestation, and recommend appropriate acaricides or alternative control measures that are proven effective and approved for poultry. This prevents the use of untested chemicals that could harm the birds or contaminate eggs.

Before the appointment, gather relevant information: the number of affected birds, visible signs of irritation or anemia, recent changes in habitat, and any previous treatments attempted. Presenting this data enables the veterinarian to tailor a treatment plan, which may include:

Prescription‑only topical or systemic medications
Environmental de‑ticking protocols (cleaning coops, removing wildlife hosts)
Follow‑up examinations to monitor recovery and prevent recurrence

The veterinarian also provides guidance on biosecurity practices, such as quarantine procedures for newly introduced birds and regular inspection routines, reducing the risk of future infestations and safeguarding flock health.

Understanding Application and Safety Protocols

When chickens are infested with ticks, immediate action must follow a defined application and safety protocol to protect both the flock and the handler.

Select an acaricide approved for poultry. Verify the product label for dosage, withdrawal period, and contraindications. Prepare the solution in a clean container, measuring precisely according to the label instructions.

Apply the treatment using a method that ensures thorough coverage while minimizing exposure risk:

Dip each bird in the prepared solution for the specified time, then allow excess liquid to drain.
Alternatively, spray the flock in a well‑ventilated area, ensuring the spray reaches the ventral surface, underwings, and leg joints.
For environmental control, treat the coop, nesting boxes, and surrounding vegetation with a residual acaricide, following label recommendations for concentration and re‑application intervals.

Safety measures for the operator include:

Wearing disposable gloves, goggles, and a mask rated for chemical aerosols.
Performing the procedure in a designated quarantine zone away from food preparation areas.
Washing hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling treated birds or chemicals.
Recording the date, product name, batch number, and dosage in a treatment log for traceability.

Monitor the flock for adverse reactions for at least 24 hours. If signs of toxicity appear—such as lethargy, respiratory distress, or loss of appetite—remove the birds from exposure, provide supportive care, and contact a veterinarian.

Repeat the treatment according to the product’s re‑treatment schedule, typically every 7–14 days, until tick counts fall below detectable levels. Maintain regular coop sanitation, remove debris, and control wildlife that may serve as tick reservoirs to prevent reinfestation.

Potential Health Issues Caused by Ticks

Tick-Borne Diseases in Chickens

Common Pathogens and Symptoms

Ticks on poultry can transmit several bacterial agents that jeopardize flock health. The most frequently encountered pathogens include:

Borrelia anserina – cause of avian spirochetosis.
Anaplasma marginale – leads to anaplasmosis, occasionally identified in chickens.
Ehrlichia spp. – responsible for ehrlichiosis, rarely reported but possible.
Rickettsia spp. – can produce rickettsial infections with systemic effects.

These organisms generate characteristic clinical signs. Observe the birds for:

Sudden drop in egg production.
Pale combs, wattles, or mucous membranes indicating anemia.
Elevated body temperature, often above 41 °C (105.8 °F).
Lethargy, reluctance to move, or weakness.
Swollen joints or hocks, reflecting inflammatory response.
Hemorrhagic lesions on the skin or in the gastrointestinal tract.

Prompt identification of these symptoms enables timely intervention and reduces the risk of widespread loss.

Impact on Egg Production and Overall Health

Ticks attached to chickens cause blood loss, skin irritation, and stress, which directly reduce egg output. Even a light infestation can lower daily egg count by 10‑15 %, while severe infestations may cut production in half. Blood depletion diminishes the nutrients available for yolk formation, leading to smaller, thinner‑shelled eggs. Skin lesions increase the risk of secondary bacterial infection, further compromising the hen’s reproductive system.

Overall health deteriorates as ticks serve as vectors for diseases such as avian spirochetosis and ehrlichiosis. Infected birds exhibit lethargy, loss of appetite, and anemia, all of which impair immune function. Chronic illness reduces the flock’s longevity and raises mortality rates, forcing producers to replace birds more frequently and increasing operational costs.

Effective control measures restore egg performance and safeguard health:

Immediate removal: Manually detach ticks with tweezers, disinfect the bite sites with a mild antiseptic.
Environmental treatment: Apply a poultry‑safe acaricide to coop bedding, perches, and nesting boxes; repeat according to product guidelines.
Preventive management: Maintain dry, clean litter; rotate grazing areas to disrupt tick life cycles; provide regular dust‑bathing opportunities with diatomaceous earth.
Health monitoring: Conduct weekly inspections for tick presence and signs of anemia; perform blood tests if respiratory or neurological symptoms appear.
Nutritional support: Supplement feed with iron‑rich ingredients and vitamin E to counteract blood loss and bolster immune response.

Implementing these actions promptly halts production decline and restores the flock’s overall vitality. Continuous vigilance prevents re‑infestation, ensuring stable egg yields and long‑term flock health.

Secondary Infections and Complications

Wound Care and Prevention

When chickens are infested with ticks, immediate attention to skin integrity prevents secondary infections and promotes recovery. Begin by isolating affected birds to limit spread. Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool to grasp each parasite as close to the skin as possible, then pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the tick, which can release pathogens into the wound.

After removal, cleanse the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution such as diluted chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine. Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to reduce bacterial colonization. Monitor the area for swelling, discharge, or discoloration; any signs of worsening condition require veterinary evaluation.

Implement preventive measures to reduce future infestations:

Maintain dry, clean coop bedding; replace litter regularly.
Trim vegetation around the coop to eliminate tick habitats.
Apply a safe, approved acaricide to the environment according to label instructions.
Conduct weekly inspections of the flock, focusing on ventral surfaces, under wings, and around the legs.
Provide dust‑bathing areas with fine sand to encourage natural grooming behavior.

Regular health checks and prompt wound management form the core of an effective strategy against tick‑related injuries in poultry.

Anemia and Blood Loss

When chickens are infested with ticks, the parasites feed on the birds’ blood, often causing a measurable decline in red‑cell volume. The resulting anemia can impair oxygen transport, reduce stamina, and increase susceptibility to secondary infections. Blood loss may be subtle at first, but cumulative feeding over several days can produce a clinically significant deficit, especially in young or already weakened birds.

To counteract anemia and mitigate blood loss, follow these actions:

Inspect the flock daily; remove visible ticks with tweezers, applying pressure to the head to avoid tearing the mouthparts.
Administer an appropriate acaricide according to label instructions, ensuring complete coverage of the bird’s ventral surface and feather bases where ticks attach.
Provide a high‑quality protein supplement or fortified feed containing iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid to support erythropoiesis.
Offer clean, fresh water enriched with electrolytes; consider adding a low‑dose iron solution if laboratory tests confirm low hemoglobin.
Monitor hematocrit or hemoglobin levels in at‑risk birds; if values fall below species‑specific thresholds, consult a veterinarian for possible injectable iron dextran or blood transfusion.

Prompt removal of ticks, chemical control, and nutritional support together reduce ongoing blood loss and allow the bird’s marrow to restore normal red‑cell counts, preserving overall health and productivity.

Long-Term Management and Monitoring

Establishing a Regular Tick Control Schedule

A consistent tick‑control program prevents infestations from compromising flock health and productivity. Begin by assessing the current tick burden; inspect birds weekly for attached specimens, especially around the vent, neck, and legs. Record findings in a simple log that includes date, number of ticks per bird, and any observed skin irritation.

Develop a calendar that aligns treatment with the life cycle of common poultry ticks. Apply an approved acaricide at the start of the warm season, when larvae emerge, and repeat the application every 14 days for the first six weeks. After this initial period, shift to a maintenance interval of 30 days throughout the remainder of the tick‑active months. Adjust the schedule if weather patterns extend the warm season or if monitoring shows a resurgence.

Rotate chemical classes each treatment cycle to reduce resistance. Pair topical applications with environmental measures: clear litter, replace bedding regularly, and treat coop perimeters with a diluted pyrethrin spray. Incorporate pasture rotation, moving chickens to fresh ground every 3–4 weeks, and keep grazing areas free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks hide.

Review the log monthly to verify that tick counts decline. If counts remain above a threshold of two ticks per bird after two consecutive treatments, increase treatment frequency to every 10 days for one cycle, then resume the standard interval. Document all adjustments; the record provides evidence for future decision‑making and facilitates communication with a veterinarian if needed.

Monitoring Tick Activity in Your Area

Monitoring tick activity in your area is a critical step before treating chickens for infestations. Accurate information about local tick populations helps you time interventions, choose effective control methods, and reduce the risk of re‑infestation.

First, identify reliable sources of tick data. County agricultural extensions, veterinary offices, and university entomology departments often publish seasonal tick reports. Online platforms such as the National Integrated Tick Management (NITM) portal provide maps showing recent tick sightings and pathogen prevalence. Subscribe to email alerts or follow social media feeds that share updates specific to your region.

Second, conduct regular field observations. Walk the perimeter of the coop and surrounding pasture at least once a week during peak tick season (spring through early fall). Look for:

Small, dark specks on grass tips and leaf litter
Tick clusters on low‑lying vegetation
Signs of tick activity on wildlife (deer, rodents) or domestic animals

Record observations in a simple log, noting date, location, and tick density (e.g., few, moderate, many). Over time, patterns emerge that reveal high‑risk periods and zones.

Third, use passive sampling tools. Place white cloth or sticky traps at ground level near the coop for 24‑hour intervals. Collect and count attached ticks, then dispose of them according to local regulations. This method provides quantitative data without harming the birds.

Fourth, consult local weather data. Warm temperatures and high humidity correlate with increased tick activity. When forecasts predict extended periods above 70 °F with moisture levels above 70 % relative humidity, increase monitoring frequency and prepare treatment measures.

Finally, integrate findings into a management schedule. If logs indicate a surge in tick numbers, implement immediate control actions such as:

Applying environmentally safe acaricides to the coop yard
Removing tall grass and leaf litter within a 50‑foot radius
Rotating grazing areas to disrupt tick life cycles

By maintaining an ongoing record of tick presence and environmental conditions, you can anticipate infestations and protect your flock with targeted, timely interventions.

Record Keeping and Observation

Maintain a detailed log for every flock member showing tick presence, treatment dates, and product concentrations. Include the bird’s identification number, age, and any concurrent health issues. Record the exact location where each bird was observed, noting coop sections, outdoor runs, or nesting boxes.

Track environmental conditions that may influence infestation levels. Log temperature, humidity, and recent weather events such as heavy rain or drought. Note changes in pasture management, including mowing schedules and the introduction of new vegetation.

Document all control measures. For each application, write the date, time, dosage, method of administration (spray, dip, oral), and the brand name of the acaricide. Record any adverse reactions, recovery time, and follow‑up inspections.

Review the data regularly. Compare weekly tick counts to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and adjust protocols accordingly. Use the compiled information to forecast peak infestation periods and plan preventive actions before outbreaks occur.