What should be done if a chicken has ticks? - briefly
Remove the ticks with fine tweezers, apply a poultry‑safe acaricide, and thoroughly clean the coop. Monitor the flock for additional infestations and repeat treatment if necessary.
What should be done if a chicken has ticks? - in detail
Ticks on poultry pose a health risk and can reduce productivity. Prompt action limits blood loss, skin irritation, and the transmission of diseases such as spirochete infections.
First, isolate the affected bird to prevent spread. Conduct a thorough examination of the plumage, focusing on the vent area, under the wings, and around the legs. Remove visible ticks with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the parasite as close to the skin as possible and pulling steadily to avoid tearing the mouthparts. Dispose of extracted ticks in a sealed container.
Next, apply an appropriate acaricide. Options include:
- A topical spray containing permethrin or pyrethrin, applied according to the label dosage and covering the entire body surface.
- A dip solution of carbaryl or amitraz, immersing the bird for the recommended duration, then allowing it to dry in a clean, well‑ventilated area.
- A dust formulation of diatomaceous earth, lightly coating the feathers and allowing it to settle.
After treatment, clean the coop thoroughly. Remove litter, scrub perches, and disinfect feeding and watering stations with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite). Replace bedding with fresh material and ensure adequate ventilation to reduce humidity, which favors tick survival.
Implement preventive practices:
- Rotate pastures regularly, avoiding grazing in areas with known tick habitats.
- Maintain short grass and remove debris where ticks may hide.
- Conduct weekly inspections of all birds, especially during warm months.
- Use treated perches or sand baths to discourage tick attachment.
Finally, monitor the flock for recurrence. Record any new infestations, treatment dates, and product batches used. Adjust control measures if ticks reappear, considering alternative acaricides or consulting a veterinary professional for resistance testing.