How do you treat ticks in chickens? - briefly
Apply a poultry‑safe acaricide (e.g., permethrin spray or dust) to the birds, thoroughly clean and disinfect the coop, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly emerged ticks.
How do you treat ticks in chickens? - in detail
Tick infestations in backyard or commercial poultry require prompt identification, thorough removal, and ongoing control measures.
First, inspect each bird daily, focusing on the vent area, under wings, and around the thighs. Visible ticks appear as dark, engorged bodies attached to the skin. Use a fine‑toothed comb or tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pull straight upward to avoid tearing the mouthparts, and dispose of the parasite in a sealed container.
Second, apply an appropriate acaricide. Approved options include:
- Permethrin‑based sprays (0.5 % concentration) applied to the bird’s body and surrounding coop surfaces, following label directions for dosage and retreat intervals.
- Ivermectin in drinking water (0.2 mg kg⁻¹) administered for three consecutive days, ensuring uniform consumption.
- Pyrethrin dust applied to nesting boxes and perches, allowing birds to preen and spread the product.
Third, incorporate natural treatments when chemical use is undesirable:
- Diluted neem oil (1 % solution) sprayed on the birds and coop walls; repeat every 48 hours for a week.
- Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) spread thinly on floor litter; reapply after cleaning or when moisture accumulates.
Fourth, implement environmental management to prevent re‑infestation:
- Remove straw, wood shavings, and debris that provide shelter for ticks.
- Keep the coop dry; repair leaks and improve ventilation.
- Rotate pastures or restrict free‑range access during peak tick season (spring and early summer).
- Treat surrounding vegetation with a spot‑on acaricide or clear tall grass and brush within a 10‑meter radius of the coop.
Fifth, monitor treatment efficacy. Re‑examine birds after 24 hours, then weekly for four weeks, recording any new ticks. If counts remain high, repeat acaricide application according to label limits or consult a veterinarian for alternative protocols.
Finally, maintain a regular health‑check schedule, integrating tick control into broader parasite‑management plans that include mite and worm prevention. Consistent observation, targeted treatment, and habitat sanitation together eradicate existing infestations and reduce future risk.