fleas, and mothering too.

[Oegipus]

Hi evrybody,

Im almost positive that my chickens have poultry fleas. I went to the feed store, but they carried nothing specific. Only nasty sprays designed for lice, I think. Does anybody know a good way to treat fleas? (good=effective, and low impact, if possible)
Also, is it normal for a hen to stop caring for her young at around 5 weeks?
Thank you.
Gobblegobble

 

[pwand]

I would say she has lice. If you see it, she has it pretty bad. Did they have anything that is powder for treating lice.

 

[MotherJean]

Here's a great link with photos so you can determine what you're dealing with and it provides info on how to treat: http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8162.pdf
If after reading this you still believe your chickens have fleas, they may be the "sticktight" variety which is usually found attached around face, eyes, wattles and comb. You don't say what part of the country you're in, but I believe sticktight fleas are mostly found in the southern U.S.

As to your second question, mama hens will begin to ignore their babies around 4 weeks. By 5 weeks they can become pretty short-tempered with any chicks that want to continue to hang around.