How should chickens be treated for fleas, ticks and lice? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved topical spray or dust (e.g., pyrethrin‑ or permethrin‑based) directly to each bird, covering the vent, underwing, and leg areas, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days. Clean the coop thoroughly, replace bedding, and treat perches and nesting boxes with diatomaceous earth or a residual insecticide to prevent reinfestation.
How should chickens be treated for fleas, ticks and lice? - in detail
Effective control of external parasites in poultry requires accurate diagnosis, immediate intervention, and ongoing prevention. Begin by inspecting the flock daily; look for small, dark specks moving on the skin, excessive preening, feather loss, or scabs around the vent and feet. Confirm the presence of fleas, ticks, or lice before applying any product.
Immediate treatment
- Bath or spray with an approved insecticide – Use a poultry‑safe aerosol or liquid containing pyrethrins, permethrin, or carbaryl. Apply according to the label, covering the entire body, especially under the wings and around the vent. Repeat after 7–10 days to break the life cycle.
- Topical poultice – For localized tick attachment, dab a few drops of a neem‑oil or eucalyptus‑based ointment directly on the parasite. Hold the bird for a few minutes to allow absorption.
- Oral medication – Administer a dose of ivermectin or selamectin in the drinking water, following veterinary dosage guidelines. Ensure the entire flock receives the same concentration to prevent reinfestation.
Supportive measures
- Dust baths – Provide a mixture of fine sand, wood ash, and diatomaceous earth. Allow birds to bathe for at least 15 minutes twice daily; the abrasive particles physically remove parasites and desiccate eggs.
- Clean housing – Remove all bedding, scrub perches, and disinfect coops with a 1% bleach solution. Replace bedding with fresh material. Perform this deep clean every two weeks during peak parasite season.
- Environmental control – Reduce humidity by improving ventilation. Ticks thrive in damp, shaded areas; ensure the coop is dry and receives sunlight.
Long‑term prevention
- Regular prophylactic spray – Apply a low‑dose pyrethrin spray to the coop and birds every 30 days, even when no parasites are observed. Rotate active ingredients annually to avoid resistance.
- Rotate bedding – Change litter completely every month and treat the old material with a non‑toxic insecticidal powder before disposal.
- Monitor wild hosts – Install fencing or a tick‑control barrier around the pasture to limit access by wildlife that can carry ticks and fleas.
Record‑keeping
Maintain a log of inspection dates, treatments applied, dosages, and observed outcomes. Review the log monthly to identify patterns and adjust the protocol accordingly.
By combining chemical control, physical removal, environmental sanitation, and consistent monitoring, infestations can be eliminated and the risk of recurrence minimized.