Chicken lice: how to combat them? - briefly
Apply an approved insecticidal powder such as pyrethrin or carbaryl to the birds after thoroughly cleaning the coop, then repeat the treatment weekly for three consecutive weeks. Maintain strict sanitation and regular coop inspections to prevent re‑infestation.
Chicken lice: how to combat them? - in detail
Chicken lice are tiny, wingless parasites that feed on the blood and skin debris of poultry. They reproduce quickly, with females laying up to 200 eggs over a two‑week period, making early detection essential for control.
Identification relies on visual inspection of the bird’s vent, under the wings, and around the neck. Adult lice appear as grayish‑brown, elongated insects about 2 mm long; nymphs are smaller but similar in shape. Eggs (nits) are firmly attached to feather shafts, often near the base of the feather.
Effective control combines sanitation, chemical or natural treatments, and ongoing monitoring.
Sanitation and environmental management
- Remove all bedding, droppings, and debris from the coop weekly.
- Replace litter with fresh material after thorough cleaning.
- Repair cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, doors, and windows to prevent re‑infestation.
- Rotate perches and nesting boxes, allowing sunlight exposure for at least one hour daily.
Chemical options
- Apply a poultry‑safe insecticide (e.g., pyrethrin‑based spray) directly to the bird’s vent area and feather bases, following label dosage.
- Use a residual spray on coop surfaces, focusing on corners, perches, and rafters.
- Re‑treat after 7–10 days to interrupt the life cycle, then again after another 7 days to eliminate newly emerged lice.
Natural and non‑chemical methods
- Dust birds with diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) twice weekly; the abrasive particles damage the lice exoskeleton.
- Prepare a herbal spray using neem oil (5 ml per litre of water) and apply to the vent region and feather shafts.
- Introduce clean, dry wood shavings treated with powdered silica or ash, which desiccate the parasites.
Integrated approach
- Conduct a full coop cleanout and replace litter.
- Dust each bird with diatomaceous earth, ensuring coverage of vent and feather bases.
- Apply a targeted insecticide spray to the vent area; repeat after 8 days.
- Treat coop surfaces with a residual spray; repeat after 14 days.
- Maintain daily observation of birds for signs of lice; record any recurrence.
- Implement weekly litter changes and monthly deep cleaning to sustain a lice‑free environment.
Consistent application of these steps interrupts the lice life cycle, reduces population density, and prevents future outbreaks. Monitoring should continue for at least six weeks after the final treatment to confirm eradication.