Chicken lice

[nu2cknz]

I am new to this, but my chickens are currently recovering from a good bout of chicken lice. I found the easiest time to grab my chickens was when they were roosting - morning seemed to work best for me, so I had some natural light to see with. Until you are comfortable with the procedure, it may be a 2 person job to visualize deep within the feathers. I press their wings against their torso when I pick them up (to discourage flapping), then turn them upside down and place them under my left arm to hold them steady while I give their skin a good looking over, especially in the area of the vent and under the wings. Then I turn them over and do the same with special attention to where the wings attach, the neck, and where the tail feathers attach. After a few times of doing this they know the drill and get more comfortable with it. I also started by using diatomaceous earth mixed within the new bedding after cleaning out the old.I gave them a good dusting with the DE as well - getting it directly against the skin and rubbing it around - but at the same time you do not want to be breathing in the dust! Be aware of which way the wind is blowing. Then I also powered the floor with Sevin 5% before putting down new shavings. The next day I gave the chickens a dusting of the Sevin in the same manner as the DE. Again, it is advised to wear a respirator or mask when using these products! It was of course -30 degrees the day I realized what was going on, so too cold to wash the coop or the chickens! I waited a week, checking the girls daily for the improvement after using the Sevin. Progress was happening, but slowly. So I kept researching and finally decided to use First Defense which has the same active ingredient found in Frontline Flea, Tick and Lice treatment for dogs - Fipronil. The First Defense brand was less expensive. I applied one drop on the skin to the neck, under each wing, and above the vent. The next day my chickens were noticeably better - appetite back, more active, more vocal, laying eggs again. My rooster also quit tossing his head around, a behavior that started with the infestation. So, I hope that is helpful. Here is a previous post from someone else that also uses Frontline: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/465712/frontline/30

Also a short video, I personally used the applicator that the medicine came in to apply a tiny drop to the skin.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/465712/frontline/30
Good luck!