What can be given to chickens to treat lice? - briefly
Effective lice control for chickens includes pyrethrin or permethrin sprays, ivermectin added to drinking water, and food‑grade diatomaceous earth applied to the coop. Follow label directions and rotate products to avoid resistance.
What can be given to chickens to treat lice? - in detail
Lice infestations in poultry cause feather damage, reduced egg production, and discomfort. Effective control requires a combination of topical agents, oral medications, and environmental management.
Topical treatments
- Permethrin spray: 0.5 % solution applied to the bird’s vent area and under the wings. Repeat after 7 days.
- Pyrethrin dust: Lightly dust the vent region and feather bases. Reapply weekly for three applications.
- Carbaryl powder: 0.5 % concentration applied to the back and tail. Observe a 48‑hour withdrawal period before processing.
Oral medications
- Ivermectin: 0.2 mg/kg body weight administered via drinking water or crop gavage. Single dose; repeat after 5 days if lice persist.
- Milbemycin oxime: 0.5 mg/kg mixed into feed, effective for both lice and internal parasites. Follow label withdrawal times.
Natural alternatives
- Diatomaceous earth: Food‑grade grade sprinkled in the coop and on the birds. Works by desiccating insects; reapply after litter changes.
- Neem oil: 2 % solution sprayed onto the plumage, avoiding eyes. Repeat every 3 days for two weeks.
- Garlic extract: 5 % solution added to drinking water for 7 days. Reduces lice viability but does not eliminate heavy infestations.
Environmental measures
- Remove and replace bedding weekly; clean perches and nesting boxes with hot water (≥ 60 °C).
- Apply a residual insecticide (e.g., permethrin) to coop walls and floor cracks, following product safety guidelines.
- Rotate pasture areas to interrupt the lice life cycle; allow a minimum of 14 days between uses.
Safety considerations
- Observe withdrawal periods for any chemical approved for food‑producing animals.
- Monitor birds for signs of toxicity: excessive drooping, loss of appetite, or respiratory distress.
- Use protective equipment when handling concentrates to prevent personal exposure.
A structured regimen that alternates topical and systemic agents, supplemented by natural products and rigorous coop hygiene, provides the most reliable control of lice in chickens.