If chickens have lice, what to do? - briefly
When a flock is infested with lice, apply a veterinary‑approved insecticidal spray directly to the birds and treat the coop, repeating the application as directed on the product label. Then clean all bedding, nest boxes, and perches thoroughly and provide regular dust‑bathing areas to deter future infestations.
If chickens have lice, what to do? - in detail
When chickens become infested with lice, immediate action is required to protect the flock’s health and productivity.
First, confirm the presence of parasites by inspecting the birds. Look for small, grayish insects moving through the feathers, especially around the vent, under the wings, and near the neck. Check the skin for redness, irritation, or feather loss.
Second, isolate affected birds to prevent spread. Place them in a separate enclosure equipped with clean bedding, fresh water, and a balanced diet.
Third, apply an appropriate ectoparasiticide. Choose a product labeled for poultry lice, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray or a permethrin powder. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions precisely; overdosing can cause toxicity, while underdosing allows survival of resistant lice. Apply the treatment to the entire bird, covering the vent area, underwing, and feather bases. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to target newly hatched lice that escaped the first dose.
Fourth, treat the environment. Remove all litter, disinfect the coop, and replace with fresh, dry bedding. Scrub roosts, perches, and nesting boxes with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 32 parts water) or a commercial disinfectant. Allow the coop to dry completely before reintroducing the birds.
Fifth, implement preventative measures. Rotate bedding weekly, keep the coop dry, and maintain good ventilation to discourage mite and louse development. Provide dust‑bathing areas with fine sand or wood ash; natural dust helps chickens remove parasites mechanically.
Sixth, monitor the flock continuously. Conduct weekly visual inspections for at least six weeks after treatment. Record any recurrence and repeat the ectoparasiticide cycle if necessary.
Finally, keep records of all treatments, dates, and products used. Documentation supports timely intervention and aids in evaluating the effectiveness of control strategies.
By following these steps—confirmation, isolation, targeted chemical treatment, environmental sanitation, preventive management, and ongoing monitoring—chickens can be cleared of lice and protected from future infestations.