What should be done if chickens have lice? - briefly
Apply a poultry‑approved lice treatment—such as a spray, dust, or pour‑on medication—according to the product label, and repeat after the life cycle to eliminate all insects. Then thoroughly clean and disinfect the coop, removing bedding and treating nesting areas to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done if chickens have lice? - in detail
When lice are detected on a flock, immediate isolation of the affected birds prevents spread. Place the infested chickens in a separate pen away from healthy stock and limit contact until treatment is complete.
Begin by cleaning the environment. Remove all bedding, litter, and debris from the coop; wash perches, nesting boxes, and feeders with hot, soapy water. After drying, apply a fine layer of diatomaceous earth or wood ash to surfaces where insects hide. These substances desiccate lice and reduce re‑infestation.
Treat the birds directly. Options include:
- Dusting: Sprinkle a commercial poultry insecticide dust (e.g., pyrethrin‑based) over the entire body, paying special attention to the vent area, underwings, and tail. Rub the dust into the feathers to ensure coverage.
- Spray: Use a poultry‑safe spray formulation containing permethrin or a similar acaricide. Apply evenly, avoiding overspray that could irritate the eyes or respiratory tract.
- Oral medication: Administer a dose of ivermectin or milbemycin as directed by a veterinarian for systemic control, especially in severe cases.
After treatment, keep the birds under observation for at least 48 hours. Repeat the dust or spray application after 7–10 days, because lice eggs may hatch after the first treatment. Monitor for signs of irritation or adverse reactions; discontinue the product and consult a vet if symptoms appear.
Sanitize the coop again after the final treatment cycle. Replace bedding with fresh material, and consider installing perch covers or netting to limit lice habitats. Implement a regular maintenance schedule: weekly cleaning, monthly dusting of the environment, and periodic health checks of the flock.
Prevent future infestations by:
- Maintaining low humidity and good ventilation in the coop.
- Rotating litter and removing droppings daily.
- Using a light dusting of diatomaceous earth on a monthly basis.
- Quarantining new birds for at least two weeks before mixing with the existing flock.
Following these steps eliminates current lice populations and establishes conditions that discourage re‑infestation.