Can lice stunt growth in pullet?

[KerrieLouise]

Not sure if this is a weird question! We’ve had really bad weather here and some of my pullets had a pretty bad case of lice. They’ve all been treated multiple times and they’re pretty much completely gone now but one of my pullets who was small to begin with had them the worst and she really didn’t grow much due to the lice. She’s getting her colour back now but seems like she’s about half the size she should be for her age. I’m wondering if she’ll catch up once her health is back where it should be? Or could that impact her growth permanently? They’re having vitamins in their water but I’m thinking I should get some extra nutrients into her specifically too. Any other thoughts or suggestions?

 

[LaFleche]

one of my pullets who was small to begin with had them the worst and she really didn’t grow much due to the lice.

She might just be a runt and the last one on the totem pole which will leave her under constant pecking stress with little time for dust bathing or preening as she always would be on alert and ready to move out of the eay of higher ranking birds.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

I would deworm her thoroughly as worms can cause nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth.
Then give her some extra protein as in boiled or scrambled eggs every other day for a few weeks.

 

[KerrieLouise]

She might just be a runt and the last one on the totem pole which will leave her under cobstant pecking stress with little time for dust bathing or preening as she always would be on alert and ready to move out of the eay of higher ranking birds.

I would deworm her thoroughly as worms can cause nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth.
Then give her some extra protein as in boiled or scrambled eggs every other day for a few weeks.

Thank you! Yes she’s definitely at the bottom and the last to get any food so I’ll try and separate her and get some extra protein into her. They’ve all been wormed as well thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

At least two feeders and waterers, in separate locations, so nobody is left out, ever.
Lice or mites can kill chickens if they are seriously affected, and it takes a while to recover from the anemia.
She might be a 'poor doer', or just need some help to succeed.
If she's out of sight of the flock for any significant time, reintegrating her back might be a real problem. At least have her with couple of mild mannered flockmates, or manage the flock together with more feeding stations and places to be out of sight.
Mary