How to get rid of chicken lice? - briefly
Apply a diluted pyrethrin spray to the birds and thoroughly clean, disinfect, and replace bedding in the coop, removing all debris and dust. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to interrupt the lice life cycle and monitor for any recurrence.
How to get rid of chicken lice? - in detail
Lice infestations in poultry develop rapidly; adult parasites lay eggs (nits) on feathers, and nymphs hatch within a few days. Early detection prevents severe blood loss, feather damage, and reduced egg production.
Identification
- Small, wingless insects about 2 mm long, gray‑brown, moving slowly on the bird’s body.
- Nits appear as tiny white shells attached near the base of feathers.
- Birds may exhibit excessive preening, feather loss, or pale combs.
Sanitation measures
- Remove all bedding, manure, and debris from the coop; replace with clean, dry litter.
- Disinfect nesting boxes, perches, and feed containers using a 1 % bleach solution or commercial poultry sanitizer.
- Allow the coop to dry completely; lice cannot survive in low‑humidity environments.
Chemical control
- Apply a poultry‑approved insecticide (e.g., pyrethrin, carbaryl) according to label instructions.
- Spray directly onto the bird’s back, wings, and vent area; repeat after 7 days to target newly hatched nymphs.
- Ensure proper ventilation during treatment to reduce inhalation risk.
Natural alternatives
- Dust birds with diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) at a rate of 1 cup per 10 birds; reapply after each molt.
- Use a dilute solution of eucalyptus or lavender oil (5 ml per liter of water) for a light mist; repeat every 3 days for two weeks.
- Introduce beneficial insects such as predatory beetles in the litter layer to consume lice eggs.
Mechanical removal
- Comb each bird with a fine‑toothed lice comb; discard collected nits in a sealed container.
- Perform combing daily for one week, then every other day for an additional week.
Post‑treatment monitoring
- Inspect birds weekly for at least six weeks; look for live lice or fresh nits.
- Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) and regular litter turnover to deter re‑infestation.
- Rotate insecticide classes annually to prevent resistance buildup.
Preventive routine
- Change litter every 2–3 months.
- Provide a dust‑bathing area with sand or wood ash.
- Conduct quarterly health checks, focusing on feather condition and comb coloration.
Following these steps systematically eliminates existing lice populations, interrupts their reproductive cycle, and establishes conditions that discourage future outbreaks.