How to combat lice in chickens? - briefly
Apply a poultry‑approved insecticide spray or dust to the birds and thoroughly clean the coop, removing litter and nesting material. Repeat the treatment after seven days and inspect the flock regularly to prevent reinfestation.
How to combat lice in chickens? - in detail
Lice infestations in poultry cause feather damage, reduced egg production, and impaired growth. Effective control requires a combination of environmental sanitation, chemical treatment, and preventive management.
First, eliminate the habitat that supports lice development. Remove all bedding, manure, and spilled feed from the coop. Replace litter with fresh, dry material such as pine shavings. Clean perches, nesting boxes, and water containers with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) and rinse thoroughly. Allow the coop to dry completely before re‑stocking birds.
Second, apply an appropriate acaricide. Options include:
- Powdered pyrethrin: dust the entire coop, focusing on crevices and feather bases. Follow the label for dosage; re‑apply after 7 days if live lice persist.
- Liquid permethrin spray: mist birds and the coop interior, ensuring coverage of feather shafts. Use a calibrated sprayer to avoid overdosing.
- Spinosad dust: safe for young chicks; apply to the floor and nest boxes, then distribute dust onto the birds by gently shaking them.
Rotate chemicals every 4–6 weeks to prevent resistance. Record the product name, concentration, and application date for future reference.
Third, treat the birds directly. Place each chicken in a clean container, sprinkle the selected powder over the plumage, and massage gently to distribute the acaricide to the skin. After 30 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and dry with clean towels. Repeat the procedure after 10 days to interrupt the lice life cycle.
Fourth, implement preventive measures:
- Quarantine new birds for at least 14 days, treating them with an acaricide before introduction.
- Maintain low humidity (below 60 %) inside the coop; lice thrive in damp conditions.
- Inspect flocks weekly for signs of itching, feather loss, or visible insects; early detection limits spread.
- Rotate litter every 2–3 months, discarding old material and sanitizing the coop floor.
Finally, monitor treatment efficacy. After completing the second treatment, examine a sample of birds under a bright light for live lice. Absence of movement confirms success; any remaining insects indicate the need for an additional treatment cycle.
Combining thorough cleaning, targeted chemical control, direct bird treatment, and strict biosecurity eliminates lice populations and protects flock health.