How to remove a tick from chicks? - briefly
Using fine tweezers, grasp the tick close to the chick’s skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure; then clean the site with an antiseptic. Avoid squeezing the body, and watch the bird for signs of infection.
How to remove a tick from chicks? - in detail
Removing a feeding tick from a young chicken requires prompt, careful action to prevent infection and blood loss. The procedure consists of preparation, extraction, and post‑removal care.
First, gather sterile tools: fine‑point tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal hook, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), and a clean container with 70 % isopropyl alcohol for disposal. Clean the chick’s skin around the parasite with the antiseptic to reduce bacterial contamination.
Next, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts rather than the engorged body. Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the parasite straight out without twisting. If resistance is encountered, use the hook to slide under the mouthparts and lift gently. Avoid squeezing the abdomen, which can cause the tick to regurgitate harmful fluids.
After removal, examine the site for remaining parts. If any mouthparts remain embedded, repeat the extraction technique until the skin is clear. Disinfect the wound with the antiseptic solution and let it air‑dry. Monitor the chick for signs of swelling, redness, or lethargy over the following 24–48 hours.
Finally, place the extracted tick in the alcohol container for identification or safe disposal. Record the incident, noting the date, location, and any observations, to inform future preventive measures such as regular pasture checks and acaricide treatments.