How to treat a barn for chicken lice? - briefly
Apply a thorough cleaning, then treat the interior with a poultry‑safe insecticide spray or dust, following label directions and repeating after 7‑10 days to interrupt the lice life cycle. Seal cracks and keep bedding regularly changed to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat a barn for chicken lice? - in detail
Treating a poultry house for chicken lice requires a systematic approach that eliminates existing infestations and prevents re‑colonisation.
Begin with thorough cleaning. Remove all bedding, feed, and water containers. Scrape droppings, feather debris, and dead birds from walls, perches, and nesting boxes. Dispose of waste in sealed bags away from the coop.
Next, disinfect the environment. Apply a broad‑spectrum disinfectant approved for avian use, following label directions for concentration and contact time. Ensure the solution reaches cracks, joints, and equipment surfaces. Rinse with clean water and allow complete drying.
Apply an acaricide to all surfaces where lice may hide. Options include:
- Powdered pyrethrin formulations spread evenly on perches, roosts, and floor litter.
- Spray‑on organophosphate solutions applied to walls, cages, and nest boxes.
- Diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) dusted on floor and in nesting areas; reapply after each cleaning cycle.
When using chemical products, wear protective equipment, observe ventilation requirements, and respect withdrawal periods for eggs and meat.
Treat the birds directly after environmental preparation. Dust each chicken with a calibrated amount of powdered acaricide, ensuring coverage of the vent region, underwings, and tail feathers. Repeat treatment after seven days to interrupt the lice life cycle.
Implement preventive measures:
- Replace litter weekly with fresh, absorbent material.
- Install perch designs that minimise crevices.
- Rotate disinfectant types annually to avoid resistance.
- Conduct regular visual inspections, focusing on the vent area and feather base.
Maintain records of each treatment, including date, product used, concentration, and observed efficacy. Review data quarterly to adjust protocols and ensure long‑term control of lice populations.