Lice, what’s the best treatment?

[Lemon_ghost]

I’m highly suspecting that my chickens have lice, some of them have a pale comp and others are acting unusual and they barley eat. I only saw them in one chicken but I’m assuming all of them got it by now.

I did some research and some say that Diatomaceous Earth work and some say it’s just a prevention and it’s dangerous. Others say I should use Elector PSP but it’s a one time use only (?). I was also told to use permethrin spray.

I’m so lost right now…what should I use? Which one will ensure that I get rid of the lice? I don’t want to buy something expensive then it doesn’t work

 

[Auntiejessi3]

No DE, elector psp or permethrin are fine to use, my preference is elector psp because as you said it's a 1 and done with no egg withdrawal period. It's pricey, but I get mine off of ebay (small quantities) for around $16. You'll also need to completely remove all the bedding from your coop and nest boxes (burn it, or tie it up tight in trash bags and get rid of it) spray your entire coop, every nook and cranny, then fresh bedding. If you go this route since it's summer use the bucket method, make up a 5 gallon bucket according to the directions (you'll only put about 3 gallons on water in there) and thoroughly submerge each bird up to it's neck, ruffle the feathers about then let them go to dry.

 

[Eggcessive]

Permethrin 10 concentrate (Martins or Gordons brand) where you add water to mix, is available at TSC and feed stores in pints or quarts for $10-20. You mix water 1 tsp per quart in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. It can be used on chickens 15 ml up to once every 10 days. The coop (nests and roosts) can be sprayed once every 30 days once bedding is removed, and new bedding added.