What should you do if chickens are infested with lice?

What should you do if chickens are infested with lice? - briefly

Isolate the birds, apply a poultry‑approved lice spray or dust according to label directions, and clean the coop thoroughly. Repeat the treatment after seven days and keep monitoring for any signs of recurrence.

What should you do if chickens are infested with lice? - in detail

When a flock shows signs of lice, immediate action prevents severe irritation, feather loss, and reduced egg production. Follow these steps in order.

1. Confirm the infestation – Examine birds under bright light. Look for small, grayish insects moving on the skin, especially around the vent, neck, and feather bases. Scrape a few feathers and place them on white paper; lice will appear as tiny, fast‑moving bodies.

2. Separate affected birds – Move the infested individuals to a clean, isolated pen. Keep the quarantine area away from the main flock to stop cross‑contamination.

3. Treat the birds – Apply a veterinary‑approved insecticide spray or powder according to the product label. Common options include pyrethrin‑based sprays, permethrin dust, or ivermectin formulations. Ensure thorough coverage of the entire body, paying special attention to the vent, underwing, and leg folds. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.

4. Treat the environment – Empty the coop, remove all bedding, and clean surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or a commercial disinfectant effective against ectoparasites. After cleaning, spread fresh, clean bedding. Treat perches, nest boxes, and any equipment with an appropriate residual insecticide, following safety guidelines.

5. Implement preventive measures –

   • Rotate bedding weekly and keep the coop dry.
   • Inspect new birds before introduction; quarantine for at least two weeks.
   • Use diatomaceous earth in dust‑free form on the floor to deter re‑infestation.
   • Maintain regular health checks, looking for lice at least once a month.

6. Monitor the flock – After treatment, conduct weekly examinations for at least six weeks. Record any recurrence and repeat environmental treatment if lice reappear.

By confirming the problem, isolating the birds, applying correct medication, sanitizing the habitat, and establishing ongoing prevention, the infestation can be eradicated and future outbreaks avoided.