How to treat chickens for fleas and lice using folk remedies? - briefly
Dust the birds and coop with a blend of diatomaceous earth and powdered garlic, then rinse the chickens weekly using a solution of one part apple cider vinegar to four parts water to deter fleas and lice.
How to treat chickens for fleas and lice using folk remedies? - in detail
Treating poultry for external parasites with traditional methods requires a systematic approach that combines environment sanitation, direct application of natural agents, and ongoing monitoring.
First, remove all bedding, dead birds, and droppings. Replace litter with fresh material such as straw or pine shavings. Clean the coop with hot water and a mild vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water). Allow the structure to dry completely before re‑stocking.
Apply a fine layer of food‑grade diatomaceous earth to perches, nest boxes, and the floor. The abrasive silica particles damage the exoskeleton of insects, leading to dehydration. Re‑apply after each cleaning cycle or when the layer becomes damp.
Prepare a spray using two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of neem oil, and a cup of water. Mix thoroughly and mist the birds’ feathers, focusing on the vent area, underwings, and tail. Repeat every 48 hours for two weeks, then weekly for maintenance.
Create a garlic infusion by crushing three cloves, steeping them in a liter of warm water for 15 minutes, and straining the liquid. Add a teaspoon of liquid soap to act as an emulsifier. Offer the mixture as a drinking supplement, limiting intake to 200 ml per bird per day to avoid toxicity.
Utilize dried herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and thyme. Place sachets of the herbs in the coop corners, or sprinkle a thin dusting on the bird’s plumage. The aromatic oils repel fleas and lice without harming the animals.
For severe infestations, a wood‑ash paste (ash mixed with a small amount of water) can be applied to the skin around the vent and under the wings. The alkaline nature irritates parasites, prompting them to leave. Remove the paste after 30 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Salt can serve as a contact insecticide. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of non‑iodized salt in a quart of warm water and spray the solution onto the birds’ feathers. Avoid over‑application to prevent dehydration.
Finally, implement preventive measures: rotate litter weekly, keep the coop dry, limit exposure to wild birds, and conduct fortnightly visual inspections. Record findings in a simple log to track parasite levels and treatment efficacy.