How to remove chicken lice? - briefly
Treat the flock with an approved insecticidal spray or dust and thoroughly clean and disinfect the coop, including perches and nesting boxes. Repeat the treatment after seven days and keep the environment dry and regularly sanitized to prevent recurrence.
How to remove chicken lice? - in detail
Removing lice from poultry requires a systematic approach that combines immediate treatment, environmental sanitation, and ongoing monitoring.
Begin with a thorough inspection of the flock. Separate any birds showing signs of infestation—such as feather loss, visible insects, or excessive preening—into a quarantine area. This prevents spread to healthy individuals.
Apply an approved insecticidal spray or dust directly to the affected birds. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions, ensuring coverage of the vent region, underwings, and tail feathers. Allow the product to act for the recommended contact time before returning the birds to the coop.
After treatment, clean the housing environment. Remove all bedding, then wash and disinfect crates, perches, and feeding equipment with a solution containing at least 1 % sodium hypochlorite. Replace bedding with fresh, dry material.
Implement a regular dusting schedule using diatomaceous earth or a commercial poultry dust. Apply the powder to the coop floor, roosts, and bird feathers at weekly intervals for three weeks to interrupt the lice life cycle.
Maintain optimal husbandry conditions to deter reinfestation. Keep the coop dry, provide adequate ventilation, and avoid overcrowding. Rotate pastures when possible, allowing the ground to dry between uses.
Monitor the flock weekly for at least six weeks after the initial treatment. Record any recurrence of lice and repeat the insecticidal application if necessary, adhering to withdrawal periods before processing birds for consumption.
Document all procedures, including product names, concentrations, and dates of application. This record supports effective management and facilitates adjustments if resistance or persistent infestation arises.