How to remove fleas from backyard chickens? - briefly
Apply a pyrethrin‑based dust or spray to the coop and give the birds a brief bath in diluted insecticidal shampoo, repeating the treatment after 7–10 days. Keep bedding clean, remove debris, and maintain a dry environment to stop fleas from returning.
How to remove fleas from backyard chickens? - in detail
Fleas infestations in free‑range poultry cause irritation, anemia, and reduced egg production. Effective control requires a combination of immediate treatment, environmental sanitation, and ongoing prevention.
First, isolate the flock for at least 24 hours. Apply a poultry‑safe insecticide directly to the birds. Products containing pyrethrins or permethrin, applied as a spray or dust, kill adult fleas within minutes. Follow label instructions for dosage and retreat intervals. After treatment, rinse the birds with clean water to remove excess residue and reduce skin irritation.
Second, clean the coop and surrounding area. Remove all bedding, discard it, and replace with fresh material. Wash perches, nesting boxes, and feeders with hot, soapy water; rinse thoroughly. Scrub the floor and walls using a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 32 parts water) to eliminate flea eggs and larvae. Allow surfaces to dry completely before re‑adding bedding.
Third, treat the environment. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) on the coop floor, in cracks, and around the run. The fine silica particles desiccate insects and their immature stages. For outdoor runs, spread a thin layer of wood ash or powdered sulfur, both of which act as natural repellents. Rotate the run area weekly to expose fleas to sunlight and dry conditions, which are lethal to them.
Fourth, manage the surrounding vegetation. Trim grass, remove leaf litter, and keep the area free of debris where fleas can hide. Apply a non‑toxic insect growth regulator (IGR) such as methoprene to the soil around the coop; IGRs prevent larvae from developing into adults.
Fifth, implement a regular health‑check schedule. Inspect each bird weekly for signs of flea activity: excessive preening, visible insects, or small black specks (flea feces) on feathers. Promptly retreat any bird showing signs to prevent re‑infestation.
A typical maintenance routine includes:
- Weekly replacement of bedding and application of diatomaceous earth.
- Bi‑weekly cleaning of coop surfaces with bleach solution.
- Monthly application of IGR to surrounding soil.
- Quarterly thorough inspection of run and vegetation, with trimming as needed.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates existing fleas, destroys their breeding sites, and prevents future outbreaks, ensuring the flock remains healthy and productive.