If chickens have fleas, what should be done? - briefly
Treat the flock with a poultry‑safe insecticide, thoroughly clean the coop, replace bedding, and provide dust‑bathing material; isolate any infested birds and monitor them for secondary infections.
If chickens have fleas, what should be done? - in detail
When a flock shows signs of flea infestation, immediate action is required to protect bird health and prevent egg contamination. The first step is confirmation: examine the birds’ vent area, under the wings, and the coop floor for live fleas, flea feces (dark specks), or excessive scratching. A handheld flea comb can help collect specimens for identification.
Once confirmed, implement a three‑phase control program:
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Therapeutic treatment of the birds
- Apply an approved topical insecticide (e.g., pyrethrin‑based spray) directly to the vent and feathered areas, following label dosage.
- Administer an oral medication such as ivermectin or a veterinary‑prescribed flea tablet, observing withdrawal periods for eggs and meat.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to break the flea life cycle, as eggs and larvae may emerge during this interval.
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Environmental sanitation
- Remove all bedding, litter, and droppings; replace with fresh, dry material.
- Clean coop surfaces with a non‑toxic disinfectant, then apply a residual insecticide to cracks, perches, and nesting boxes.
- Vacuum or sweep the surrounding yard, then treat the soil with a diatomaceous earth dusting or a low‑toxicity granular larvicide.
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Preventive management
Monitoring continues for at least four weeks after the final treatment. Record bird behavior, egg quality, and any recurrence of fleas. Adjust the protocol if infestations persist, consulting a veterinarian for alternative pharmaceuticals or for a comprehensive parasitology assessment.