Lice - Ivermectin vs Permethrin

[NewchickieLTJ]

Both of my silkie hens have lice. What is the easiest way to treat? I definitely don’t want any powders, and want to use either a spray or pour-on. I’ve read that silkies can have this problem ongoing, so I thought maybe I could get both treatments and alternate if they get it again? I live in a wooded area, and it can at time be wet/humid, so I just wouldn’t be surprised if this was an ongoing issue.

Also, is it necessary to give them a bath? They’re both broody right now, and don’t like being handled anyways so it will be an adventure to say the least. I’ll do it if necessary though. Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Why don't you like powders? I find it the most effective. Baths aren't necessary.

 

[NewchickieLTJ]

Why don't you like powders? I find it the most effective. Baths aren't necessary.

Oh, I’m just tired of the dust from powders haha. I’ve been using DE in their dust bath to treat for the last couple of weeks (obviously it’s not working) and am tired of powder being everywhere.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

DE does nothing but waste your money and is a respiratory irritant to both birds and humans.

You can get either a pyrethrin or permethrin based poultry dust or spray to treat them. I had silkies that got lice while broody. I treated with the dust. You will need to hand pick off the nit clusters at the base of the feathers after treatment for lice. My birds didn't preen them off themselves. You will need to treat weekly for 3-4 weeks to break the life cycle.

 

[Eggcessive]

I like Permethrin 10 concentrate, usually Gordons or Martins from TSC, that you can mix with water 37 ml per gallon, and use in a garden sprayer. A 16 ounce bottle is around $8 and makes many gallons. A garden sprayer can be used to treat the chicken, roosts, nests, and coop once bedding is removed. Treatment should be repeated at 10 day intervals to get lice, then newly hatched larvae before the reproduce. If you use ivermectin on the chickens, it should be repeated in 14 days.