Lice on small chicks

[Muser]

I have had a broody hen looking after a number of 1 week old chicks (she hatched them out) and I have noticed a few have lice on them. I have treated the rest of my flock with Ivermectin with great success (and have applied the 1 week Egg withdraweral time frame). I wasn't aware my broody hen had the lice too (assumed as if one has, they all have), but this is evident that this is the case for her and the babies.

Has anyone had any success with treating small chicks with Ivermectin? Is it water soluble or would 1 drop each be ok as a spot on between the shoulders? I have diatomaceous earth but have had limited success with this.

 

[DobieLover]

I have diatomaceous earth but have had limited success with this.

It's ineffective in treating parasites on poultry.

I would avoid a systemic treatment in such a young bird.

I would get a bottle of Permethrin based poultry dust and carefully dust them and their mother with that. Change out all their bedding and dust the floor before re-bedding. Treat them again in 7 - 10 days.

 

[Muser]

It's ineffective in treating parasites on poultry.

I would avoid a systemic treatment in such a young bird.

I would get a bottle of Permethrin based poultry dust and carefully dust them and their mother with that. Change out all their bedding and dust the floor before re-bedding. Treat them again in 7 - 10 days.

Thank you, I have just treated my broody hen with ivermectin and that seems to be working fab. I havent treated the chicks, only the hen. Anyone reading this should take care if they decide to use ivermectin since it's not licensed in poultry usage and you can overdose if you aren't careful. Ask a vet for guidance. There is also an egg withdrawal period depending on dosage applied.

 

[casportpony]

Has anyone had any success with treating small chicks with Ivermectin? Is it water soluble or would 1 drop each be ok as a spot on between the shoulders? I have diatomaceous earth but have had limited success with this.

Do you have the pour-on or the 1%? How much do the chicks weigh?

 

[Muser]

Do you have the pour-on or the 1%? How much do the chicks weigh?

I have the 1% spot on stuff meant for pigeons and I have a varied flock so some smaller birds had 1 drop applied, the bigger had two. Seems to be worked great at the moment, 4 days down and not a louse on them. It's been great, but again I suggest caution when using it if anyone does decide to. See my post about egg withdrawal and potential overdose risk! Ask a vet if you are unsure.