What should I do if chickens have lice? - briefly
Treat the flock with a poultry‑safe insecticide spray or dust, following label directions, and clean the coop thoroughly to eliminate eggs and debris. Repeat the treatment after a week and monitor the birds for any signs of reinfestation.
What should I do if chickens have lice? - in detail
If a flock shows signs of lice infestation, immediate action is required to protect bird health and prevent spread.
First, confirm the problem. Examine chickens closely, especially under the wings, around the vent, and on the legs. Look for tiny, grayish insects moving quickly, or for small dark specks that are the insects’ feces. Excessive preening, feather loss, or irritated skin also indicate an infestation.
Next, isolate the affected birds. Place them in a separate, clean pen for at least 48 hours to limit contact with the rest of the flock. Clean the original coop thoroughly: remove all bedding, scrub perches, and disinfect feeders and waterers with a safe poultry sanitizer.
Treat the birds with an appropriate ectoparasitic product. Options include:
- Topical sprays or dusts containing pyrethrin, permethrin, or carbaryl; apply according to label instructions, covering the entire body, including under the wings and around the vent.
- Oral medications such as ivermectin, administered by a veterinarian; follow dosage guidelines precisely.
- Natural alternatives like diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) dusted onto the bird’s plumage; repeat every 3–4 days for several weeks.
After treatment, repeat the application after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice that survived the first dose. Monitor the birds daily for residual insects or signs of irritation.
Implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence:
- Keep coop bedding dry and replace it regularly.
- Rotate pasture or use a fenced area to reduce bird contact with contaminated ground.
- Conduct routine inspections, at least once a month, focusing on the same high‑risk areas.
- Maintain good biosecurity: limit access of wild birds, rodents, and insects that can carry lice.
Finally, record all treatments, dates, and observations. This log assists in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and provides valuable information for veterinary consultation if the problem persists.