What does lice look like?

[mrbstephens]

When I collected an egg from the nesting box yesterday, there was a tiny, tan colored, long shaped bug on it. I use straw in the nesting box with DE. I use the DLM with pine shavings in the hen house with DE. To me, it looks clean and dry in there. Maybe it's just from the straw? or wood? The chickens look fine.

 

[Nif]

Here's a link for you: http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html
Lice are light brown but usually stay on the birds...I have never seen one on an egg. They are only 2-3 mm long.

 

[mrbstephens]

Oh good! Maybe I should check them over anyway?

 

[Nif]

I would...I thought only my cochins had lice but I checked everyone out closely and they all have a few.
I sprayed pyrethrin in my cleaned coop and treated my chickens.

 

[artsyrobin]

check the base of their feathers periodically, my poor little silky was infested and i am bathing and brushing her and dusting everyone - my first time to deal with them- nasty little critters!