How to treat a chicken coop for fleas and feather lice? - briefly
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the coop, replace all litter, and apply a poultry‑safe insecticide spray to surfaces while dusting the birds with diatomaceous earth or using a veterinarian‑approved lice treatment. Maintain low humidity, regular litter changes, and routine health checks to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat a chicken coop for fleas and feather lice? - in detail
Inspect the coop thoroughly. Identify all areas where fleas and feather lice hide: roosting bars, nesting boxes, litter, cracks in the walls, and ventilation openings. Remove dead birds, droppings, and any organic debris that can serve as a food source.
Clean the structure. Scrape off all built‑up material from surfaces, then wash with hot water and a detergent that is safe for poultry. Rinse completely and allow to dry before re‑adding bedding.
Apply a physical barrier. Replace loose straw or wood shavings with fresh, kiln‑dried material. Spread a thin layer of diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) over the litter; the abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of both parasites.
Treat the environment with an approved insecticide. Choose a product labeled for use in poultry houses and effective against fleas and lice (e.g., permethrin‑based sprays or pyrethrin powders). Follow the manufacturer’s dosage, apply to all surfaces, and keep birds out of the area for the recommended withdrawal period.
Introduce a biological control. Beneficial nematodes (e.g., Steinernema carpocapsae) can be mixed with water and sprayed onto the coop floor; they parasitize flea larvae. Repeat applications every two weeks during peak infestation.
Administer a topical medication to the birds. Use a poultry‑safe spray or dust containing pyrethrins, applying directly to the feathers, especially around the neck, vent, and under the wings. Repeat treatment after seven days to break the life cycle.
Implement ongoing prevention. Maintain low humidity (below 60 %) to discourage parasite development. Rotate and clean bedding weekly. Seal gaps in the structure to limit re‑infestation from the surrounding environment. Conduct monthly inspections and repeat the diatomaceous earth application as needed.