How to combat ticks in chickens? - briefly
Regularly inspect birds, isolate any that are infested, and apply a veterinarian‑approved acaricide spray or dip. Keep the coop dry, replace bedding often, and restrict wildlife entry to prevent re‑infestation.
How to combat ticks in chickens? - in detail
Ticks on poultry cause anemia, reduced egg production, and can transmit disease. Effective control requires a combination of habitat management, regular inspection, and targeted treatments.
- Remove vegetation, tall grass, and brush within a 10‑meter radius of the coop to eliminate preferred tick habitats. Keep the coop floor dry, replace litter weekly, and seal cracks that allow wildlife entry.
- Conduct weekly examinations of each bird, focusing on the vent area, under the wings, and around the legs. Remove attached ticks with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin to avoid tearing the mouthparts.
- Apply approved acaricides according to label instructions. Spot‑on products containing permethrin or pyrethrin can be used on the vent area; dust formulations of diatomaceous earth may be scattered on perches and litter, providing a mechanical barrier.
- Incorporate botanical options such as neem oil spray or a diluted eucalyptus solution. Apply to the vent region and feathered skin after cleaning, repeating every 5–7 days during peak tick season.
- Introduce biological controls by encouraging predatory insects, for example, releasing predatory mites that feed on tick larvae in the surrounding environment.
- Maintain clean water sources; use covered containers to prevent wild birds and rodents from contaminating the supply.
- Rotate pasture locations seasonally, allowing treated pastures to rest for at least 30 days before reuse, which interrupts the tick life cycle.
- Record infestation levels, treatment dates, and product batch numbers in a logbook. Review data monthly to adjust strategies and confirm efficacy.
Combining environmental sanitation, regular monitoring, and appropriate chemical or natural agents reduces tick populations and protects flock health. Continuous vigilance and prompt removal of any discovered parasites prevent re‑infestation.