How to treat chickens for feather mites and lice in summer? - briefly
Use a dust bath containing diatomaceous earth or fine sand, applied daily, and treat the flock with a poultry‑safe spray containing pyrethrin or permethrin every 7‑10 days during the warm months; simultaneously clean the coop, replace bedding, and eliminate outdoor vegetation where parasites hide. Combine these measures with regular inspections to remove any visible mites or lice promptly.
How to treat chickens for feather mites and lice in summer? - in detail
Treating poultry for feather mites and lice during warm weather demands a systematic approach that combines environmental management, chemical control, and regular monitoring.
First, reduce the insects’ habitat. Clean the coop thoroughly, removing all bedding, droppings, and debris. Replace litter with fresh, dry material such as pine shavings, which retain low moisture. Ensure good ventilation and direct sunlight exposure; both conditions discourage mite and louse development. Seal cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent wild insects from entering.
Second, apply a safe, effective acaricide or insecticide. Options include:
- Spray‑on products containing pyrethrin or permethrin, applied to the bird’s ventral surface, underwings, and around the neck. Follow label dosage precisely; over‑application can cause toxicity.
- Dust formulations of diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) or spinosad, spread over the litter and lightly dusted on the birds. These agents act mechanically, damaging the exoskeleton of parasites.
- Oral treatments such as ivermectin, administered in water at the recommended concentration. Use only veterinary‑approved formulations for poultry.
Apply the chosen product after a full coop cleaning, allowing the birds to dry completely before treatment. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to interrupt the life cycle, which typically spans 7–14 days from egg to adult.
Third, maintain a strict sanitation schedule. Remove and replace litter weekly, disinfect roosts with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite), and scrub all surfaces with a mild detergent. Install a dust bath of sand or wood ash to give chickens a natural means of removing parasites.
Fourth, monitor the flock daily. Examine each bird for signs of infestation: excessive preening, feather loss, scaly skin, or visible moving specks. Use a fine‑toothed comb to collect samples and confirm the presence of mites or lice under a magnifying lens. Record findings and adjust treatment frequency accordingly.
Finally, prevent re‑infestation by integrating biological controls. Introduce predatory insects such as predatory mites (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) into the coop, or use diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of the run to create a physical barrier. Rotate poultry to a clean, parasite‑free area each season, and avoid overcrowding, which promotes rapid parasite spread.
By combining thorough cleaning, targeted chemical or mechanical treatment, vigilant observation, and preventive measures, poultry owners can effectively eliminate feather mites and lice during the summer months and maintain bird health.