How safe is Permethrin for treating lice on chickens?

[WillowMoonWyandottes]

I know I’ve probably asked this question before but how safe is Permethrin around my chickens? I have a lice infestation, my birds are losing feathers like crazy and some are bald around the neck and on their back (I have no rooster with them). I’ve seen the lice on me when I’m doing things in the pen and they do bite! I have permethrin concentrate and the 0.25% dust. What is the proper way to use them? I have permethrin 10 concentrate and I heard it was 5 ml per quart of water wanted to double check if it’s correct. Should I spray it directly on my birds and spray my whole pen with it? And for the dust I have the same question, do I put the dust directly on the birds and in the bottom of the pen? What about chicks around 2 months old is it safe for them also? I don’t have anywhere to move them when I’m treating the pens so that’s another concern I have, can I treat the pens with them still in there? Their pens are well ventilated and mostly open.

 

[pintail_drake2004]

I use it 4x a year, and have for nearly 5 years. I treat my foundation, crawlspace, thresh holds, windows, etc, and what's left I treat the nest boxes, bedding, and roost. Our local farm store sells the 10% stuff, but I typically buy the 36.8% Permethrin SFR online and mix my own.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

In my exerience it is the only thing that works. You should wear a mask and gloves when you are applying it though. It is safe to use. It is the same ingredient used on humans for lice and scabies.

 

[Sally PB]

Gobs of info on this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ated-with-product-pdfs.1448295/#post-24089092

 

[WillowMoonWyandottes]

Thanks everyone! Makes me feel better about using it. I raked out the pens because of all the feathers and then removed their water and food feeders and sprayed the pens everywhere with the concentrate water mix and then in the nesting boxes and in their dust bathing areas I put the dust. I will be doing this every week for 4 weeks, hopefully it helps!

 

[cmom]

I personally use the 0.50% solution. You can also buy the premixed sprays. I spray weekly for 3 or 4 weeks. If you have any flies it will also help to eliminate them. I also put the poultry dust in the nest boxes. Good luck...

 

[cmom]

Here is a chart a BYC member made for the different strengths of permethrin.

 

[Matejka]

Spray coop and run then pour into a bucket and dip birds.