Ivermectin v Permethrin v Frontline- lice and mites

[Speckledfarmer]

Hi all, I have 16 hens co-infected with lice and mites. From reviewing previous threads, I have narrowed my treatment down to Ivermectin topical v Permethrin spray v Frontline spray with a repeat dose in 7-10 days. What has worked for you?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Everyone has an opinion or preference when treating for lice/mites.


I'll give you my opinion - I would use a Permethrin base poultry dust or spray. To me is has more uses - it can be used to treat bedding, nesting boxes and housing as well as the chickens. I would purchase one that is approved for use in poultry.

Ivermectin is supposed to be good, but it is more $$ and is used only to treat the chicken - I can't see using it to treat the coop/bedding.

Frontline spray, I have read where people do use it, that is up to them - I don't know about the active ingredient in it and how it works for poultry.

Personally I prefer to use products that are labeled for poultry whenever possible. That is not always the case, but most poultry dusts/sprays are readily available online and at local feed stores.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1151513/pesticides-approved-for-poultry

 

[casportpony]

I would use permethrin on the chickens and the coop.

 

[Speckledfarmer]

Thank you both!

 

[Speckledfarmer]

If repeating every 7 days, how many weeks in a row would you treat with permethrin?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If repeating every 7 days, how many weeks in a row would you treat with permethrin?

First I would go with recommended treatment instructions on the packaging label.

A "general rule" would be treat 2x (7 day increments) after the initial application, but each product is a little different, so read your label.