How to Treat for Mites and Lice
- Donna Weekes
- Jun 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 25
What are Mites and Lice in Chickens?
Mites and Lice are common in chickens. These parasites survive by feasting on their blood, feathers. skin or scales. Poultry lice can easily be identified by their straw coloured bodies, round shape and six tiny legs. Typically they are found near the base of a chickens feathers, close to their vents. Chicken mites tend to start off light in colour and then turn red after feeding.
Symptoms of Mites and Lice in Chickens
If left untreated, the following symptoms may occur:
*Bare patches
*Reduced weight gain
*Pale comb and wattles
*Diarrhea
*Reduced fertility
*Decreased egg production or no eggs at all
*Blood smear on eggs
*Anemia
*In extreme cases, death
How to Treat
Contrary to popular belief Diatomaceous Earth and wood ash are not effective for killing and preventing parasites in your chicken coop. Diatomaceous Earth, although may be considered by some, a natural product, is actually considered a carcinogenic respiratory hazard. For the most effective, safest, easiest solution to eradicating mites and lice in your flock with no egg withdrawal period, veterinarians recommend Elector PSP.
This product is safe for both you and your chickens and mites and lice do not develop resistance to it. Elector PSP. contains the active ingredient spinosyn. When used correctly, this insecticide kills both adults and their nits after one application. It is important to store this product in a cool, dark location until ready to use.
However, treating chickens after dark, while they are roosting, is the best way to handle the entire flock. In this situation, you won't have to chase them and can therefore minimize their stress. To make this even easier, you may want to use a headlamp and enlist the help of a partner.
Follow these same steps as part of a monthly inspection for mites and lice. Part the feathers around their vent, if skin and feathers are clear of tiny insects, great. Inspect again in another 3-4 weeks.
Elector PSP is a treatment, not a preventative. It would be a waste of the product to use it as a preventative.
We offer a new product line here at the Ranch. Chick' N Swell.
A product we offer in this line, Chick' N Protect is a safe alternative to harsh chemicals like permethrin and mite dusts. Veterinarian and farm approved. Spray in coops, on roosts and nest boxes.
Deet free and no toxic products.
Safe for poultry of all ages, gentle enough to use with chicks.
Natural essential oils, help to repel many different forms of insects without harming the environment including the Red Roost Mite.
Use Chick' N Protect on a regular bases for the prevention of insects including flies and mites around and in the coop. Gentle enough to use everyday.
Use Elector PSP as a treatment, only when needed to irradicate a mite and lice infestation.
Purchase both products to work together.
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