What to buy for chicken lice? - briefly
Use a poultry‑grade dust with pyrethrin or permethrin and a bird‑safe lice spray, and supplement treatment with a fine‑toothed comb to remove any remaining parasites.
What to buy for chicken lice? - in detail
Effective control of lice infestations in poultry requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental products. The following items constitute a comprehensive kit for treating and preventing lice on a flock.
- Insecticidal spray or dust – formulated specifically for birds, containing pyrethrins, carbaryl, or spinosad. Choose a product labeled for poultry and follow the manufacturer’s concentration guidelines for safe application to feathers and skin.
- Topical ointment or lotion – a medicated preparation with permethrin or ivermectin for direct application to the vent area and under the wings, where lice tend to congregate. Use the dosage recommended for the bird’s weight.
- Dusting powder – fine, non‑powdered silica or diatomaceous earth applied to perches, nesting boxes, and coop floor. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of lice, reducing their population without harming the birds.
- Spray bottle or pump sprayer – a calibrated device to ensure even coverage of the insecticide solution across the flock. A misting system can be useful for large operations.
- Protective gear for handlers – gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent exposure to chemical residues during treatment.
- Cleaning agents – a strong, non‑residual disinfectant for thorough washing of feeders, waterers, and coop surfaces after the lice treatment cycle.
- Environmental control tools – ultraviolet light traps or sticky boards to monitor infestation levels, and a set of replacement bedding material (e.g., pine shavings) to refresh the coop after treatment.
Application protocol
- Remove all feed and water from the coop, then clean and dry the area.
- Apply dusting powder to all surfaces, allowing it to settle for at least 24 hours.
- Spray the insecticidal solution on the birds, ensuring coverage of the neck, back, and vent region.
- Administer topical ointment to each bird’s vent and underwing area, using the prescribed amount per bird.
- Allow the birds to rest in a clean, well‑ventilated area for the duration specified on the product label (typically 30–60 minutes).
- Replace bedding, clean feeders and waterers, and re‑stock with fresh supplies.
Preventive purchases
- Prophylactic spray – a low‑dose formulation applied monthly to maintain low lice counts.
- Natural repellents – essential‑oil blends (e.g., eucalyptus, citronella) approved for poultry, used sparingly on the coop perimeter.
By assembling these items and adhering to the outlined regimen, a poultry keeper can eliminate an existing lice outbreak and reduce the risk of recurrence.