What should you do if chickens are infested with ticks? - briefly
Inspect the birds, remove each tick with fine‑point tweezers, then apply a poultry‑safe acaricide to the coop and replace all bedding. Repeat treatment weekly for three weeks and monitor the flock for any return of parasites.
What should you do if chickens are infested with ticks? - in detail
Ticks on a flock pose a health risk and demand immediate action. First, confirm the presence of parasites by inspecting the birds, especially under the wings, around the vent, and on the legs. Use a bright light and a fine-toothed comb to locate each specimen.
- Separate affected birds – move infested chickens to a clean, isolated pen to prevent spread.
- Manual removal – grasp each tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight upward. Dispose of the parasites in a sealed container.
- Topical treatment – apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide following the product label. Ensure the dosage matches the birds’ weight and species.
- Environmental decontamination – clean the coop thoroughly. Remove bedding, scrub perches and nesting boxes with hot water and a mild disinfectant, then replace with fresh straw or shavings. Treat the coop floor with a safe insecticide spray, concentrating on cracks and crevices where ticks hide.
- Pasture management – rotate grazing areas weekly, keep grass trimmed to a few inches, and eliminate tall vegetation that shelters ticks. Install a barrier to keep wildlife, such as deer and rodents, away from the feeding zone.
- Preventive regimen – schedule regular applications of a long‑acting acaricide or use a tick‑repellent spray every 2–3 weeks during peak season. Provide dust baths with diatomaceous earth, which can reduce tick attachment.
- Health monitoring – observe the flock for signs of anemia, lethargy, or skin lesions. Record any abnormal findings and the dates of treatments.
- Veterinary consultation – contact a poultry veterinarian if the infestation persists after two treatment cycles, if birds show severe illness, or before using any new medication.
Implementing these steps promptly restores flock health and minimizes future tick problems.