Lice - Ivermectin number of treatments

[Gammond]

We have just about 100 chickens. They have lice. I have tried a lot of things in the past and it is hard to get a handle on.

How many doses of ivermectin do they need for lice? I am hoping just 1 will get rid of them and the eggs?!?!

If we do go this route, I will administer it in their waterer to make things a lot easier for us.

I know there is a lot of controversy over this, but I'm not looking to debate it - we do plan to try this.

UPDATE! I found a can of Permethrin spray.... I tried this instead! I will repeat again after 10 days and again once more to be safe.... some I only heavily sprayed their backs - I'm hoping this was enough...

 

[Folly's place]

Permethrin spray works very well for lice and mites, and does have some residual action. It's still best to retreat in two weeks, and be alert for reinfestations, from those miserable wrens that help themselves to the feed!
Fenbendazole is now approved for use in chickens in the USA, and kills most intestinal parasites. What worms do your birds have? You have had fecals checked, right?
Mary

 

[aart]

I would in the summer, but I don't think some of my chickens would make the winter if I did that! I thought some were just molting, but there are so many egg clusters

If a feather is fully plucked out a new one will start growing very quickly.

 

[casportpony]

I need to know too bc i am worming my show birds with 1% ivermectin orally and need to know the dose?

• Minimum dose that most veterinary books say to use is is 0.01 ml per pound (0.05 ml per five pounds).
• The max dose I use is one that one veterinarian recommended. It is 0.05 ml per pound (0.025 ml per five pounds).

Keep in mind that there are studies that say ivermectin is not effective in treating capillary worms and gapeworms.

 

[aart]

Do you think I should spray again after 7 days? Or wait a little longer?

If there were egg clusters I would treat again at 7-10 days,
then again in another 7-10 days,
then keep checking for live lice.

 

[Gammond]

If there were egg clusters I would treat again at 7-10 days,
then again in another 7-10 days,
then keep checking for live lice.

Some had tons of egg clusters; some had no lice at all. I treated again tonight and I will again in another 9 days ish.

 

[casportpony]

For lice, ivermectin applied topically will be much more effective than systemic dosing since they are all chewing lice (they eat skin and hang onto the feathers rather than taking blood meals), and will not be exposed to the drug as much if its in the blood rather than applied to the skin.

Actually, it works perfectly fine when given orally for lice, that how I do all of mine and all lice are usually gone in less than 24 hours.

 

[Gammond]

Actually, it works perfectly fine when given orally for lice, that how I do all of mine and all lice are usually gone in less than 24 hours.

Do you have to dose again in 10 days or so, or does this kill the eggs?

 

[casportpony]

Do you have to dose again in 10 days or so, or does this kill the eggs?

One dose of ivermectin seems to do the trick. I can find one with lice, treat, then check in 10 days if you want me to.

 

[Silkies rule Forever]

I need to know too bc i am worming my show birds with 1% ivermectin orally and need to know the dose?