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[Annabella]

This is a very interesting subject. I had "something" a while back on my chicks and treated them with powder. They looked like puff balls when I was done!! but the problem resolved.

But I thought I'd start to research this. I was always under the impression that these flea treatments were via the blood stream but this morning I found this information

"Frontline acts by direct contact with parasites, not via the bloodstream as many people will tell you. It comes in contact with the lice through a process called translocation where it gets into the oil glands and hair of your pet. Fleas that come into contact with the pet's hair become affected and die within 18-24 hours. " (poultrykeeper site)

Interestingly the Frontline site offers no information on how the product works and also nothing on use on birds.

ETA: Found a link on Frontline that sent me to another Frontline site

where it states that "Frontline Plus will spread over the coat of your pet within 24 hours and will continue to be effective for one month. Any fleas... will die within 18 - 24 hrs" "It will remain active on the skin of your pet for one month".

The things you learn!!

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
I agree, Speckled! Any substance placed on the skin can be absorbed topically. This is why Frontline can cause seizures in some cats and dogs. It is absorbed and spread systemically....in this case, into the neurological system.

I'm curious as to why folks feel the need to handle their birds all the time? It seems to me that the incidence of transmission of parasites and/or bacteria could be avoided muchly by just not picking up your birds quite so often. I hardly ever have to lay a hand on my chickens and when I do, it is usually only once or twice a year when I cull the flock. Simply walking into the coop to feed or gather eggs shouldn't be so fraught with danger and doubt.....its just chickens, folks.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I think most of us that have had to deal with mites this year were just wondering if there was a better way to treat than with powder. I myself do not like the powder I get it everywhere and usual end up inhaling alot of it even with a mask on. I use frontline on my dogs but don't believe I'd use it on my chickens, but I did break down and use Ivermectin pour on on them.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
According to Wiki, approximately 15% of fipronil is absorbed through the skin. 15% of 9.8% (concentration of fipronil in Purple Frontline) is only 1.5% absorption if my math is correct....

Frontline is NOT in ivermectin, it does nothing against internal pests so I don't know why you are questioning the fact that it only kills pests that walk across the skin. It spreads out in the skin's oils is how it kills over the body, not by being absorbed into the bloodstream. Any vet worth their salt should tell you straight up NOT to apply Frontline type medicines immediately after bathing your dog because the dog needs to have some oil on it's skin for the medicine to work.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I know that frontline is not in ivermectin, but I used ivermectin pouron for the mite infestation my chickens had. Ivermection is whats in most heart wormer for dogs. I have been using frontline on my dogs for many years and thank goodness no reactions, and no ticks we live in tick country. I would love to find something natural for fleas but haven't found anything that really works. Just like the mite problem tried natural DE and poultry protector didn't touch them.