How to treat laying hens for fleas? - briefly
Apply a poultry‑safe insecticide, such as pyrethrin dust or a labeled spray, at the recommended dose and repeat after the flea life cycle ends. Maintain a clean coop, remove manure, and offer dust‑bathing areas to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat laying hens for fleas? - in detail
Flea infestations in egg‑producing birds demand prompt, systematic action to protect animal health and egg safety. Begin with accurate detection: observe hens for excessive scratching, visible insects on feathers, or small dark specks in the nest litter. Confirm by placing a white sheet under a perch at night; fleas will become evident as they move.
The control program consists of three coordinated elements.
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Environmental sanitation
Remove all bedding, clean the coop thoroughly, and replace with fresh, dry material.
Disassemble perches, nests, and feeders; soak in hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry.
Apply a residual insecticide approved for poultry housing to cracks, crevices, and floor surfaces, following label instructions for concentration and safety interval. -
Direct treatment of the birds
Use a poultry‑safe topical product containing pyrethrin or permethrin; apply to the dorsal region, avoiding the vent and eyes.
Administer an oral insecticide (e.g., a low‑dose ivermectin preparation) according to veterinary guidance; observe the withdrawal period before marketing eggs.
Repeat applications after 7–10 days to interrupt the flea life cycle, as eggs and pupae may survive the first dose. -
Preventive management
Rotate bedding weekly and keep humidity below 60 % to deter egg laying and larval development.
Introduce diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) into litter at a rate of 2–3 lb per 100 sq ft; the abrasive particles damage flea exoskeletons.
Limit outdoor access during peak flea season; if free‑range is necessary, provide a dust‑bathing area with fine sand.
Monitor efficacy by inspecting birds and coop daily for at least two weeks. If flea counts persist, consult a veterinarian for alternative chemotherapeutics or integrated pest‑management strategies. Maintaining strict biosecurity—quarantining new birds, restricting pest‑carrying equipment, and ensuring clean water—reduces the risk of re‑infestation and safeguards both flock welfare and egg production.