How to destroy lice in chickens? - briefly
Apply a licensed poultry insecticide—e.g., pyrethrin or carbaryl—according to label instructions, treating the coop, perches, and nesting boxes and repeating after the lice life cycle. Combine treatment with thorough cleaning, diatomaceous‑earth dusting, and isolation of affected birds to prevent reinfestation.
How to destroy lice in chickens? - in detail
Lice infestations in poultry cause feather damage, reduced weight gain, and increased stress. The most common species are Menacanthus stramineus and Menopon gallinae, which live on the skin and feathers of adult birds and chicks.
Detection relies on visual inspection of the vent area, under wings, and around the neck. Live insects appear as tiny, brownish specks moving rapidly. Affected birds may show feather loss, itching, or a “caked” appearance of droppings on the plumage.
Treatment options include:
- Synthetic insecticides – pyrethrin‑based dusts, carbaryl sprays, or spinosad formulations. Apply according to label dosage, covering the entire bird surface and the coop. Observe withdrawal periods for food‑producing birds.
- Organic compounds – diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) spread in the litter at 2 kg per 100 m²; neem oil or rosemary oil diluted 1 % in water for a spray applied twice weekly.
- Physical methods – expose birds to a temperature of 45 °C for 30 minutes in a controlled chamber; manually remove visible lice with a fine comb.
Environmental control is essential. Remove all bedding, disinfect perches and nesting boxes with a 1 % bleach solution, and replace litter with fresh material. Implement a weekly clean‑out schedule, and eliminate rodent reservoirs that can harbor parasites.
After the initial application, repeat the chosen treatment after 7–10 days to interrupt the lice life cycle. Monitor the flock for two weeks; if lice persist, rotate to a different class of insecticide to prevent resistance. Maintain low humidity and adequate ventilation to create an unfavorable environment for parasite development.
Consistent sanitation, targeted chemical or natural treatments, and vigilant monitoring together provide an effective strategy for eradicating lice from a chicken flock.