How should a chicken coop and chickens be treated for fleas? - briefly
The coop must be emptied, all bedding discarded, and surfaces scrubbed with hot water and a poultry‑safe insecticide such as «diatomaceous earth». Chickens require a veterinarian‑approved topical spray or oral medication, applied according to label instructions and repeated weekly while maintaining a dry, well‑ventilated environment.
How should a chicken coop and chickens be treated for fleas? - in detail
Flea infestations in a poultry enclosure require a systematic approach that addresses both the environment and the birds. Begin with a thorough inspection: look for dark specks moving on the birds’ vent area, notice excessive scratching, and examine litter, perches, and nesting boxes for flea larvae.
Environmental control
- Remove all bedding and replace with fresh material; wash reusable items in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum the entire coop, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and under roosts; discard vacuum contents in a sealed bag.
- Apply a low‑toxicity insecticide labeled for poultry environments, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray, following the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions.
- Treat the outer perimeter of the coop with a diatomaceous earth dusting; ensure the product is food‑grade and free of silica contaminants.
Bird treatment
- Administer a veterinary‑approved flea control product designed for chickens, for example a permethrin‑based spray applied directly to the bird’s plumage, avoiding the eyes and beak.
- Use a fine‑mesh dusting of food‑grade diatomaceous earth on the birds, distributing evenly over the back and vent area; repeat every 7–10 days until the infestation subsides.
- Provide a bath of warm water with a mild, non‑medicated soap to help remove adult fleas from the feathers; rinse thoroughly and dry the birds before returning them to the coop.
Preventive measures
- Keep the coop dry; ensure proper ventilation to discourage flea development.
- Rotate litter weekly, discarding old material and adding fresh absorbent bedding.
- Install a physical barrier, such as fine mesh, around the coop to limit entry of wild rodents and insects that can carry fleas.
- Conduct monthly inspections and apply a light dusting of diatomaceous earth as a routine preventative step.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates current flea populations and reduces the likelihood of future outbreaks, protecting both the birds’ health and the coop’s cleanliness.