Lice

[Al Gerhart]

As important as killing the lice is identifying how the lice were brought to your coop. Bio security is very important. Treating the hens without stopping the inward flow of lice does little good.

 

[Carolminifarm]

I have a lice problem, I have 35 chickens and the first four out of seven I’ve checked are all infested. What’s the best course of action? Their coop is a 10x12 shed and they have a dirt floor outdoor run. I’m in Washington State where the ground is wet so they don’t have many places to dust at the moment. Ideas?

Dust them with DE and dust the floor in coop also. If they have an outdoor favorite bath spot, dust it also.

 

[Terickny]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

Cute coop and chickens!

I would get a can of garden/permethrin powder and go in at night to treat. That way you can get them easier and no worries about the muck for now. Be sure to dust under their wings and vent area. One idea is to put the powder in a women's nylon sock, then use that to pat the chicken down.

Do the coop as well, making sure to sprinkle some in the nest boxes, the floor, even the roosts.

We're glad you're here!

Will the eggs still be edible?

 

[Debbie292d]

Will the eggs still be edible?

Yes. This doesn't get in them like ivermectin can.

 

[Folly's place]

Permethrin and spinosad both work very well, and permethrin is way less expensive! No egg withdrawal with either.
DE isn't either safe or really effective, and useless when wet. I don't want to inhale it either!
When either spraying (in warm weather) or dusting your birds, wear at least a N95 face mask, and long sleeves and gloves. 'Chicken dust' isn't good to inhale anyway, best to be careful for your lung's sake.
Mary