How to treat chickens and a chicken coop for fleas? - briefly
Treat the birds with a vet‑approved flea spray or dust, then empty, wash, and disinfect the coop, replace bedding, and apply diatomaceous earth or a flea‑killing spray to all surfaces; seal cracks and keep the area dry. Maintain regular cleaning and inspections to prevent recurrence.
How to treat chickens and a chicken coop for fleas? - in detail
Flea infestations in a flock can cause irritation, anemia, and reduced egg production. Effective control requires simultaneous treatment of the birds and their enclosure.
Treat the birds
- Apply a veterinary‑approved topical insecticide (e.g., a pyrethrin‑based spray) to the base of the neck, avoiding the eyes and beak. Follow the label dosage exactly.
- Use an oral medication such as a ivermectin formulation only if prescribed by a veterinarian; dosage is weight‑specific.
- Bathe the chickens in warm water with a mild dish‑soap solution for 5‑10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat once a week for three weeks.
- Provide a dust bath of fine sand mixed with diatomaceous earth; allow the birds to roll for at least 15 minutes daily. The abrasive particles kill fleas on contact.
- Inspect each bird after treatment, remove dead fleas with a fine comb, and discard them in a sealed container.
Treat the coop
- Remove all bedding, nest boxes, and feed containers. Dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag or burn if local regulations permit.
- Scrub walls, perches, and floor with hot water and a detergent solution; rinse and dry completely.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray (e.g., permethrin‑based) to cracks, crevices, and the underside of roosts. Ensure the product is safe for poultry environments and observe the required dry‑time before re‑introducing birds.
- Replace bedding with fresh straw or wood shavings treated with a low‑dose diatomaceous earth mixture (approximately 1 % by weight).
- Install a flea trap: a shallow dish containing a few drops of dish soap and a light source (e.g., a small LED lamp) attracts and drowns adult fleas. Position traps near perches and monitor nightly.
Prevent recurrence
- Rotate bedding weekly and keep the coop dry; moisture accelerates flea development.
- Maintain a clean feeding area; spilled feed attracts insects.
- Conduct a monthly visual inspection of birds and coop for live fleas or eggs.
- Treat any new birds before introducing them to the flock, using the same topical protocol.
By applying chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures in a coordinated schedule, flea populations can be eliminated and the risk of re‑infestation minimized.