Why do I keep getting poultry lice?!?

[AmeraucanaHank]

I bought the liquid. It was extremely effective. Really the only thing I had to be careful of was the weather was still not warm all the time then so had to do it on a day where the chickens weren't going to get chilled.

Was it liquid permethrin?

 

[Isadora]

Was it liquid permethrin?

Yes. It's a concentrate so it has specific directions on the back for how much you need to add to water. I bought this at rural King but tractor supply sells it, as I'm sure other feed stores do.

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

Yes. It's a concentrate so it has specific directions on the back for how much you need to add to water. I bought this at rural King but tractor supply sells it, as I'm sure other feed stores do. View attachment 3143068

Cool! I think I'll look in to that kind.

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

What was the price for that bottle?

 

[Isadora]

What was the price for that bottle?

I bought it last year for flies on our cattle so it may be more expensive now but I believe it was about $30-35.

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

I bought it last year for flies on our cattle so it may be more expensive now but I believe it was about $30-35.

Oh, that's not bad at all!

 

[aart]

I bought it last year for flies on our cattle so it may be more expensive now but I believe it was about $30-35.

Oh, that's not bad at all!

They have smaller bottles.

 

[Folly's place]

The 8 ounce bottle has been $7 to $8, and it's plenty for chickens!!!
Over time it darkens in color, and likely ages out, so don't buy a quart for your birds!
Much easier to use than the dust! Either was, wear long sleeves, gloves, and your N95 (or better) face mask!
Mary

 

[Al Gerhart]

Sounds like others have likely pointed out the cause, wild birds. Wild birds don't just enjoy the company of chickens or like the ambiance they come for the chicken feed. Feed security first, then treat for the lice or you are chasing your tail. Treadle feeder, needs a spring loaded door and a heavy counterweight, at least a half inch feed lip to prevent raking feed out, and a steel barrel to store bulk feed,

 

[AmeraucanaHank]

Wild songbirds bring the lice and mites to your birds, either outside, or if those wrens or sparrows get into your coop. This year, having our flock locked inside, has meant no mites, the only positive as far as I'm concerned.
Lice are easier to eliminate, as they can't live off the birds very long. Permethrin spray or dust works well, weekly for maybe three treatments. Then check your birds weekly, or so, because reinfestations do occur!
Mary

I can still eat the eggs if I dust them with the Permethrin powder, right?