poultry lice

[pattya]

What is the best method and products to treat lice? I just got my first 3 chickens and want to treat them and my new coop. I noticed what seems to be "excessive dirt baths". thanks David

 

[morelcabin]

Find out if they really have lice first, just pick them up and look at the vent area, you'll see them there if they exist. I just use a powder from the feed store (forget what it's called, it's been a while) As for the coop, I always sprinkle Mule Team Borax (found in the laundry isle at Walmart) in with thier shavings and we don't get lice or mites after that.
I also use Borax in the dogs beds and occassionally sprinke my carpets in the house with it, let it sit for a while then vaccuum. This has always worked very well for me.

 

[spatcher]

DE - diatomaceous earth - food grade only!

 

[rooster-red]

Sevin dust works, just don't get it around their face or let them breathe the dust.

Dust them once and then again in 7 days to take care of the newly hatched lice.

 

[chickenlady]

I use sevin dust also. Love it. It works great. But i agree with the advice to check for bugs first. Good luck.

 

[spatcher]

And with the sevin dust do not eat your eggs for 7 to 14 days after using.