How to remove chicken fleas? - briefly
Clean the coop, apply a poultry‑safe insecticide to the birds and environment, and keep the area dry and regularly sanitized. Repeat treatment weekly and inspect for any new infestations.
How to remove chicken fleas? - in detail
Fleas on poultry cause irritation, anemia, and can spread disease. Effective control requires a combination of environmental sanitation, chemical treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
Begin with the coop. Remove all bedding, discard it, and scrub surfaces with hot water and a detergent that removes organic residue. After cleaning, apply a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to walls and perches, allowing it to dry completely. Replace bedding with fresh, dry material such as straw or wood shavings that are changed weekly.
Treat the birds directly. Use a poultry‑safe insecticide spray labeled for flea control; follow the manufacturer’s dosage and safety instructions. Apply the product to the bird’s body, focusing on the vent area, underwings, and neck where fleas hide. Repeat the application after 7 days to break the life cycle.
Provide a systemic option. Administer an oral flea medication approved for chickens, such as a dose of ivermectin or selamectin, according to veterinary guidance. This eliminates larvae and adults that have already fed.
Implement a preventive regimen:
- Dust the coop floor weekly with diatomaceous earth (food‑grade). The fine particles damage the exoskeleton of insects.
- Keep the coop dry; repair leaks and improve ventilation to reduce humidity, which favors flea development.
- Limit access of wild birds and rodents that can introduce parasites; seal gaps and use rodent‑proof feed containers.
- Inspect the flock daily; remove any bird showing excessive scratching or visible fleas and treat immediately.
Monitor progress by placing sticky traps in corners of the coop for two weeks. Count captured insects; a decline indicates successful control. Continue maintenance measures for at least one month after the last flea sighting to prevent re‑infestation.