Chickens and fleas?

[Rick M]

I'm wondering if chickens get fleas? Everytime I walk into the coup it seems like I come out with a ton of fleas around my ankles. The previous property owner had a couple dogs and I dont think they ever give them flea treatments because I also get fleas on my legs around the yard. Just wondering if chickens get fleas and if so what can be done to get rid of them.

 

[Chickassan]

I think chickens only get stick tight fleas, I could be totally wrong though. But the fleas are probably in your coop litter, everytime flea pupae feel vibration they hatch out and can stay dormant for years. You'll have to clean the coop and treat the yard. I don't envy you at all. I hate fleas. EDIT: Can you get pictures? Apparently there are chicken fleas but they look different than dog fleas, still same protocol. Clean the coop, treat the yard. Probably want to check the birds too, but I don't know if lice/mite products kill fleas. In theory they should.

 

[Shadrach]

I'm wondering if chickens get fleas? Everytime I walk into the coup it seems like I come out with a ton of fleas around my ankles. The previous property owner had a couple dogs and I dont think they ever give them flea treatments because I also get fleas on my legs around the yard. Just wondering if chickens get fleas and if so what can be done to get rid of them.

Ordinary fleas don't live on chickens as far as I know.
@Chickassan is I believe correct.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I would use some permethrin spray... whether they are effecting the chickens or not, they are definitely effecting you.

YES... 100% it works on fleas, mites, mosquitoes, flies, termites... and MANY other pests!

Sold in the equine section of most feed stores this bottle was under $8 and lasted me 2 years with 2 large goats, 3 medium dogs, and 82+ birds. There are other brand names and concentrations that you have to dilute (or not). I like the ready to use with no mixing or storing... BUT highly recommend it as effective and safe when used as directed.

 

[staceyj]

I would use some permethrin spray... whether they are effecting the chickens or not, they are definitely effecting you.

YES... 100% it works on fleas, mites, mosquitoes, flies, termites... and MANY other pests!

Sold in the equine section of most feed stores this bottle was under $8 and lasted me 2 years with 2 large goats, 3 medium dogs, and 82+ birds. There are other brand names and concentrations that you have to dilute (or not). I like the ready to use with no mixing or storing... BUT highly recommend it as effective and safe when used as directed.

Just adding here to NEVER use it ON or AROUND a cat.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Just adding here to NEVER use it ON or AROUND a cat.

I was wondering about that as I posted, because I had thought I remembered reading it somewhere.

 

[ellenscoop]

Yes....chickens can get fleas....here is some good additional information on it - http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/fleas

 

[Shadrach]

Yes....chickens can get fleas....here is some good additional information on it - http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/fleas

I think the article is talking about sticktight fleas.

 

[Rick M]

I dont have litter the floor of coop is cement but they dont stay in there other than roosting or when I'm in it every other day cleaning it out. It is 11'x13'. Not sure how big run is as I just put it up 2 days ago after dealing with several hawks while they were free ranging. The coop and run is about 30 yards from the house and hoping with the hiding places and protection hawks shouldnt be an issue and at least this way if they do get hit, it's close enough for me do 3 S,s.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I dont have litter the floor of coop is cement but they dont stay in there other than roosting

Do they all use the ramp to get down? Even just the distance to the lay box, seems like a broken leg or bumble foot waiting to happen. Or just a lot of aching in old age from all the bone jarring. Plus I have found bruised breast and such... of course I'm sure all that can happen with a "softer" landing to. I mean they bump into other things and stuff too, accidents happen. Just putting it out there for consideration.

I can't make it all out... but it looks like a nice place.