How to eliminate lice and feather mites on chickens at home? - briefly
Apply a poultry‑safe insecticidal spray or dust (e.g., pyrethrin‑based) directly to the birds and thoroughly clean the coop, replacing bedding, washing perches, and spreading diatomaceous earth. Repeat the treatment weekly for three weeks and regularly inspect for any resurgence.
How to eliminate lice and feather mites on chickens at home? - in detail
Effective control of chicken ectoparasites requires a systematic approach that combines thorough cleaning, targeted treatment, and preventive management.
Begin with a complete coop sanitation. Remove all bedding, dispose of it in a sealed bag, and scrub every surface with a detergent solution. Rinse and allow the coop to dry fully before adding fresh litter. Treat the interior with a diluted solution of non‑food‑grade diatomaceous earth or a poultry‑safe insecticidal spray, following the manufacturer’s dosage instructions. Apply the product to perches, nest boxes, and cracks where insects hide.
Next, treat the birds directly. Separate the flock into manageable groups and apply a topical acaricide formulated for poultry, such as pyrethrin‑based spray or a permethrin solution. Use a fine mist to coat the entire plumage, paying special attention to the vent area, underwings, and tail feathers. Allow the birds to remain in a well‑ventilated, insect‑free enclosure for the recommended contact period, then rinse with clean water if the product requires it.
For those preferring natural options, a combination of warm water showers and a 1 % solution of apple‑cider vinegar can reduce mite populations. Follow the shower with a dusting of food‑grade diatomaceous earth, ensuring the powder reaches the skin and feather bases. Repeat this routine every three days for two weeks, then weekly for maintenance.
Implement ongoing prevention measures. Rotate litter weekly and keep the coop dry to discourage egg‑laying of parasites. Install fine mesh screens on ventilation openings to block external infestations. Provide a dust‑bathing area filled with dry sand or wood ash, which allows chickens to self‑clean and mechanically remove ectoparasites.
Monitor the flock regularly. Examine a sample of birds each morning, looking for irritation, feather loss, or visible insects. If any signs reappear, repeat the topical treatment and verify that environmental sanitation remains uncompromised.
By integrating thorough coop cleaning, appropriate chemical or natural treatments, and consistent preventive practices, lice and feather mites can be eliminated and kept from returning.