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Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 12:21 am
by WattleScribe
I recently discovered that my flock has lice, and Im looking for effective treatment options that dont require harsh chemicals or an egg withdrawal period. My family relies on these eggs, so Id prefer to avoid anything that would make them unsafe to eat.
Ive heard that permethrin is commonly used, but Im not very comfortable with it. Are there any natural remedies that have worked for others?
Im open to dusting, herbal solutions, or anything else that can help eliminate the lice without compromising egg safety.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 12:46 am
by FlockGuardian
Garlic and sulfur in their diet can help repel external parasites. Try adding fresh garlic to their water or food to make them less attractive to lice.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 3:32 am
by HenHouseHero
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a popular natural option. Dust it directly on the birds and in their dust bathing areas. Just be careful not to let them inhale too much, as it can irritate their lungs.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 5:13 pm
by BrooderBuddy
Keep an eye on your birds' health. If the lice infestation gets severe, natural methods may not be enough, and you might have to consider stronger options to prevent suffering.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 7:55 am
by EggWiseScholar
Apple cider vinegar in their drinking water can boost their immune system and make them less appealing to lice. Try 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 8:06 pm
by EggsAndGiggles
Consider rotating treatments. Use diatomaceous earth one week, then a neem oil spray the next, to prevent lice from adapting to a single method.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2025 1:03 am
by GerryGrit
Some people swear by herbal treatments. Mixing dried herbs like lavender, mint, thyme, and rosemary into the nesting boxes may help deter lice naturally.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 1:11 am
by FreeRangeDreamer
Lice eggs are tricky to get rid of. A fine-tooth comb can help remove them from feathers, especially around the vent area where they tend to cluster.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 9:28 am
by FeatherFlux
WattleScribe wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 12:21 am
I recently discovered that my flock has lice, and Im looking for effective treatment options that dont require harsh chemicals or an egg withdrawal period. My family relies on these eggs, so Id prefer to avoid anything that would make them unsafe to eat.
Ive heard that permethrin is commonly used, but Im not very comfortable with it. Are there any natural remedies that have worked for others?
Im open to dusting, herbal solutions, or anything else that can help eliminate the lice without compromising egg safety.
Chickens with lice often have vitamin deficiencies. Try supplementing their diet with extra B vitamins to help their feathers and skin stay strong.
Re: Natural Treatments for Chicken Lice
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 4:18 am
by PerchMaster
WattleScribe wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2025 12:21 am
I recently discovered that my flock has lice, and Im looking for effective treatment options that dont require harsh chemicals or an egg withdrawal period. My family relies on these eggs, so Id prefer to avoid anything that would make them unsafe to eat.
Ive heard that permethrin is commonly used, but Im not very comfortable with it. Are there any natural remedies that have worked for others?
Im open to dusting, herbal solutions, or anything else that can help eliminate the lice without compromising egg safety.
If you go the natural route, be prepared to treat multiple times. Unlike permethrin, natural methods usually take longer and require consistency.