What to do with chicken lice? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide to the birds and thoroughly clean the coop, including perches and nesting boxes. Maintain regular sanitation and provide dust‑bathing material to prevent re‑infestation.
What to do with chicken lice? - in detail
Chicken lice, also known as Menopon spp., infest the feathers and skin of poultry, causing irritation, feather loss, and reduced productivity. Early detection relies on visual inspection of the vent area, under the wings, and around the base of the tail. Adult lice appear as small, grayish insects about 2 mm long; nymphs are lighter in color and less mobile. Affected birds may scratch excessively or develop scabs.
Effective control follows a systematic approach:
- Remove visible parasites by dusting the bird with a fine, non‑toxic powder such as diatomaceous earth.
- Apply a topical insecticide labeled for poultry, following the manufacturer’s dosage and re‑treatment interval. Common active ingredients include pyrethrins, permethrin, or carbaryl.
- Treat the coop environment: clean perches, replace litter, and disinfect nesting boxes with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite). Vacuum or sweep to eliminate fallen nits.
- Implement a regular rotation of bedding material and maintain low humidity, conditions that hinder lice development.
- Introduce biological control agents, for example, predatory mites (Cheyletus spp.) that consume louse eggs and nymphs.
Preventive measures reduce the risk of reinfestation:
- Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and E, supporting skin health and resistance to parasites.
- Keep the flock away from wild birds and rodents, which can introduce lice.
- Conduct monthly health checks, focusing on the vent, feather shafts, and skin folds.
If chemical treatment fails, consider a short course of oral ivermectin, administered at 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, under veterinary supervision. Monitor the flock for adverse reactions and adjust dosage accordingly.
«Effective management combines immediate eradication, environmental sanitation, and ongoing prevention.» Continuous observation and adherence to the outlined protocol maintain a lice‑free flock and protect overall bird welfare.