What should be done in a chicken coop if lice appear? - briefly
Treat the infestation by thoroughly cleaning the coop, applying a poultry‑safe insecticide, and manually removing lice from the birds with a fine‑toothed comb; repeat the treatment after a week to ensure all life stages are eliminated.
What should be done in a chicken coop if lice appear? - in detail
When lice are discovered in a poultry house, immediate action is required to protect the flock’s health and prevent spread. Begin by isolating the affected birds in a separate pen to limit contact with uninfested chickens. Remove all bedding, perches, and nesting material from the infested area; discard or wash them at temperatures above 140 °F (60 °C). Clean the coop thoroughly with a detergent solution, then rinse and allow surfaces to dry completely before applying a licensed poultry‑safe insecticide. Follow label directions for concentration, coverage, and retreat intervals.
After treatment, re‑stock the pen with fresh, dry bedding such as pine shavings. Inspect each bird individually, using a fine‑toothed comb or spray bottle to dislodge any remaining parasites. For severe infestations, consider a short course of a veterinarian‑approved oral or injectable medication; dosage must be calculated according to body weight.
Implement a preventive program to reduce future risk:
- Rotate bedding weekly and keep moisture levels low; lice thrive in damp conditions.
- Conduct weekly visual inspections, focusing on the vent area, under wings, and tail feathers.
- Apply a low‑dose, long‑acting insect growth regulator to the coop every 4–6 weeks during the breeding season.
- Maintain strict biosecurity: limit visitor access, disinfect footwear, and quarantine new birds for at least two weeks before integration.
Record all interventions, dates, and observations in a logbook. Regular monitoring and consistent sanitation will keep lice populations under control and sustain flock productivity.