Lice

[Chickenbesties]

Is it safe to eat chickens that have lice?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is the bird unwell?

I don't think a carcass would be condemned for just poultry lice.

 

[Sussex19]

Some of my cockerels that I butchered had lice, and there wasn't any problem with it that I could see, and there also wasn't any problem after eating them.
Having said that, if you chickens have lice, then you really should see about treating them. (something that I didn't realise the importance of, until I realized how itchy and sore my rooster was.)

 

[Chickenbesties]

Is the bird unwell?

I don't think a carcass would be condemned for just poultry lice.

The birds are not unwell, I just have a bunch of roosters but unfortunately my whole flock has lice and I can't seem to get rid of it.

 

[Chickenbesties]

Some of my cockerels that I butchered had lice, and there wasn't any problem with it that I could see, and there also wasn't any problem after eating them.
Having said that, if you chickens have lice, then you really should see about treating them. (something that I didn't realise the importance of, until I realized how itchy and sore my rooster was.)

Thank you, I have tried to get rid of the lice but they just come right back. Not sure what to do.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you, I have tried to get rid of the lice but they just come right back. Not sure what to do.

Tell us how you've been treating your birds and housing? (Products, how often, etc.)

 

[Chickenbesties]

Tell us how you've been treating your birds and housing? (Products, how often, etc.)

They free range in the day and are in a large coop at night. The bedding is straw. I live in canada and from googling what to do with lice the only thing I could get without a vet is diatomaceous earth food grade. I rubbed it under their wings outside and then did that again 10 days later. I also cleaned the entire coop both times.

 

[Sussex19]

They free range in the day and are in a large coop at night. The bedding is straw. I live in canada and from googling what to do with lice the only thing I could get without a vet is diatomaceous earth food grade. I rubbed it under their wings outside and then did that again 10 days later. I also cleaned the entire coop both times.

Can you get pyrethrum where you live?
I haven't tried it, but have seen multiple people say that DE doesn't do anything at all.

 

[Chickenbesties]

Can you get pyrethrum where you live?
I haven't tried it, but have seen multiple people say that DE doesn't do anything at all.

Pyrethrin insecticide powder? It's the only thing that comes up for that.

 

[Sussex19]

Pyrethrin insecticide powder? It's the only thing that comes up for that.

Yes, although I think one does get it for the garden as well, and I don't know if thats different or not.
One has to thoroughly dust the chickens with it, and then repeat after week, you can also clean out the coop and dust it in the cracks.