How can you treat chickens for lice and mites? - briefly
Use a poultry‑approved insecticide—such as a pyrethrin spray or diatomaceous‑earth dust—applied to the birds and their environment, then repeat the application after 7–10 days. Follow with a complete coop cleanout, replacing bedding, disinfecting surfaces, and eliminating nesting material that can harbor parasites.
How can you treat chickens for lice and mites? - in detail
Treating poultry for lice and mites requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate medication, and environmental management.
First, confirm the infestation by examining the birds. Look for small, dark moving specks on the skin, especially around the vent, under the wings, and on the neck. Scrape a few feathers and place them on a white surface; lice appear as fast‑moving insects, while mites are slower and may hide in the skin folds.
Select a control method based on the severity of the problem and the type of parasite.
- Topical acaricides – Apply a spray or powder containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or carbaryl directly to the bird’s plumage. Follow the label dosage, treat each bird once, and repeat after 7–10 days to break the life cycle.
- Systemic medications – Administer ivermectin or milbemycin orally or via drinking water. Dose according to the product instructions; a single treatment often eliminates both lice and mites.
- Natural remedies – Dust the coop with diatomaceous earth or a fine sand‑based powder. Apply a diluted solution of neem oil or apple‑cider‑vinegar spray to the feathers. These options reduce parasite load but may require multiple applications.
After medication, clean the environment thoroughly.
- Remove all bedding, nests, and perches; replace with fresh material.
- Wash coop walls, doors, and equipment with a mild detergent, then rinse and dry completely.
- Treat the coop interior with a residual spray (e.g., pyrethrin‑based) to prevent re‑infestation.
Implement preventive measures to avoid future outbreaks.
- Provide regular dust‑bathing areas with sand or wood ash.
- Rotate bedding weekly and maintain low humidity.
- Inspect new birds before introduction; quarantine for at least two weeks and treat if parasites are detected.
Monitor the flock weekly for signs of recurrence. If lice or mites reappear, repeat the treatment cycle and reassess environmental conditions. Consistent application of these steps eliminates the parasites and protects the health of the chickens.