Chicken fleas: how to deal with them? - briefly
Inspect the flock regularly, clean the coop thoroughly, and apply a poultry‑safe dust or insecticide (e.g., diatomaceous earth or a labeled spray) to both birds and environment; follow product instructions for dosage and contact time. Keep the housing dry, well‑ventilated, and rotate bedding to prevent recurrence.
Chicken fleas: how to deal with them? - in detail
Fleas that infest poultry, primarily Ctenocephalides spp., attach to the skin and feathers, causing irritation, blood loss, and reduced egg production. Infested birds display restlessness, feather loss, and dark spots of dried blood on the skin.
The parasite’s life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Eggs are deposited in the coop, hatch into larvae that feed on organic debris, then spin cocoons before emerging as adults. Adults live on the host for several weeks, reproducing continuously under warm, humid conditions.
Effective detection relies on visual inspection of the vent area, under wings, and in the nest box. A fine-toothed comb can dislodge adult fleas for identification. Sticky traps placed near perches provide additional monitoring data.
Control measures fall into three categories:
- Environmental sanitation: Remove all bedding, manure, and debris; replace with clean, dry litter. Disinfect the coop with a high‑temperature steam treatment or a suitable approved sanitizer.
- Chemical intervention: Apply an approved ectoparasiticide (e.g., pyrethrin‑based spray) following label instructions. Ensure thorough coverage of the bird’s vent region, feather shafts, and coop surfaces. Repeat treatment after 7–10 days to target emerging adults.
- Biological and mechanical options: Introduce diatomaceous earth into the litter at a rate of 1 kg per 10 m² to desiccate larvae. Use neem oil or essential oil blends (e.g., eucalyptus, lavender) as repellents, applying sparingly to avoid respiratory irritation.
A typical treatment protocol includes:
- Isolate affected birds in a clean, well‑ventilated area.
- Bathe each bird with warm water and a mild, non‑medicated soap to remove adult fleas.
- Apply the chosen ectoparasiticide directly to the vent and feather bases.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect the original coop, then replace litter with fresh material treated with diatomaceous earth.
- Return birds after 24 hours, monitor for re‑infestation, and repeat chemical application after 10 days.
Continuous monitoring is essential. Inspect birds weekly for at least six weeks, maintain low humidity in the coop, and rotate litter regularly. Prompt removal of dead birds and regular coop cleaning interrupt the flea life cycle, preventing resurgence.