What to do if chickens have fleas? - briefly
Inspect the flock and coop, remove bedding, clean all surfaces with hot water, and apply a poultry‑safe insecticide spray or dust to the birds and their environment. Repeat treatment after seven days to break the flea life cycle.
What to do if chickens have fleas? - in detail
Flea infestation in a flock becomes evident through excessive scratching, visible fleas on the bird’s skin, or small black specks in the coop litter. Prompt response prevents secondary infections and reduces the parasite load.
Isolate affected birds in a clean, well‑ventilated container. Remove all bedding, wash the coop with hot water, and disinfect with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Rinse thoroughly and allow the structure to dry completely before re‑introduction.
Apply an appropriate insecticidal treatment directly to the birds and their environment. Options include:
- Commercial poultry‑safe spray containing permethrin or pyrethrin; follow label dosage and repeat after 7 days.
- Dusting powder of diatomaceous earth, applied to the vent area and under the wings; reapply after each molt.
- Neem oil or eucalyptus oil diluted to 2 % concentration; spray onto feathers and coop surfaces, avoiding the eyes and beak.
Enhance environmental control by:
- Replacing all litter with fresh, absorbent material such as pine shavings.
- Providing a sand or fine‑grit dust bath, encouraging birds to self‑clean.
- Installing a perimeter of fine mesh around the coop to block wild rodents and insects that can carry fleas.
Prevent future infestations through routine measures:
- Clean the coop weekly, removing droppings and stale bedding.
- Rotate litter every 2–3 weeks and treat the underlying floor with a light dusting of diatomaceous earth.
- Inspect birds weekly for signs of ectoparasites; treat immediately upon detection.
- Limit access of wild birds and mammals by sealing gaps and maintaining a tidy yard.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates the current flea problem and establishes a barrier against recurrence.