How to eliminate fleas and ticks from chickens? - briefly
Apply a thorough cleaning regimen—scrub the coop, replace bedding, and spread diatomaceous earth—while treating the birds with a vet‑approved insecticide spray or dip and isolating any infested individuals. Use a poultry‑safe product specifically labeled for fleas and ticks to ensure effective eradication.
How to eliminate fleas and ticks from chickens? - in detail
Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, moist environments and can quickly infest a flock, causing irritation, anemia, and disease transmission. Effective control requires a combination of sanitation, direct treatment of birds, and ongoing prevention.
The coop and surrounding area must be cleaned thoroughly. Remove all bedding, dispose of it in a sealed bag, and scrub surfaces with a strong detergent followed by a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Allow the coop to dry completely before adding fresh straw or wood shavings. Trim vegetation within a two‑meter radius, eliminate standing water, and keep the ground dry to reduce habitats for ectoparasites.
Treat the birds directly using one of the following approved options:
- Topical insecticides: Apply a poultry‑safe spray containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or carbaryl according to the manufacturer’s dosage. Cover the entire bird, focusing on the vent area, tail, and underwings. Repeat the application after seven days to break the life cycle.
- Oral medications: Administer ivermectin or doramectin in the recommended dose (typically 0.2 mg/kg body weight). Provide the dose in water or feed, ensuring each bird receives the full amount. A second dose after five days targets emerging larvae.
- Dusting powders: Use diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) or a poultry‑specific powder containing pyrethrins. Apply a thin layer to the vent area and under the feathers, then allow the bird to preen for several minutes before returning to the coop.
Supplementary natural measures can reduce reliance on chemicals:
- Herbal sprays: Mix a 5 % solution of neem oil or rosemary essential oil with water and spray the birds once daily for a week.
- Probiotic supplements: Provide a commercial poultry probiotic to strengthen gut health, indirectly supporting immune resistance to parasite infestations.
After treatment, maintain a strict rotation of bedding every two weeks and clean feeders and waterers with a mild bleach solution. Install fine mesh screens on ventilation openings to prevent re‑entry of insects. Conduct weekly visual inspections of all birds, looking for signs of movement or crusty spots around the vent, and treat any new cases immediately.
Implementing this integrated approach—environmental sanitation, targeted chemical or natural treatment, and regular monitoring—eliminates existing infestations and minimizes the risk of recurrence.