Chicken fleas vs dog fleas

[landonjacob]

I've searched the Internet and this blog, but can't seem to find a clear answer...
Are chicken fleas and dog fleas the same thing?
My dog, who never has fleas, has been getting them from the backyard where the chicken roam. So I'm wondering if my chickens are being bothered by the fleas.
Thanks in advance!!

 

[theoldchick]

No, chicken fleas are not the same as dog fleas. And the number one flea infesting your dog is most likely a Cat flea. Some species of fleas are adapted for a specific host and usually the mouth parts and feet are modified for staying on certain animals. However that does not mean you will not see fleas straying other animals if their normal source of food is limited. With all this warm humid weather we are seeing in South Carolina the flea population has exploding AND they are becoming resistant to many pesticides we have used in the past.

 

[landonjacob]

Thanks so much! That definitely makes me feel better. I wouldn't doubt if they are car fleas. Are neighbors feed a bunch of strays and I doubt they give them flea meds. Any way to tell cat fleas from dog fleas?

 

[theoldchick]

You'll need a microscope to tell a cat flea from a dog flea, although as a general rule the dog flea is smaller than the cat flea. Bear in mind though that fleas go through multiple changes as they mature from egg-pupae-nymph-immature flea to mature flea. If you see a small flea it could be either a male dog flea or immature cat flea.

While stray cats are definitely carrying fleas, remember squirrels and other warm blooded varmints with hair can also carry fleas.

If you are having a problem with fleas in your yard contact a professional to treat your yard, contact your vet about treating your dog, and if possible wash your chickens with a cat flea shampoo. In our area Sevin dust is no longer effective, but there are effective dips you can use. These are hands-on applications so might not be feasible for large operations. If you do decide to wash or dip your chickens be sure to protect yourself.

 

[cgmccary]

No, chicken fleas are not the same as dog fleas. And the number one flea infesting your dog is most likely a Cat flea. Some species of fleas are adapted for a specific host and usually the mouth parts and feet are modified for staying on certain animals. However that does not mean you will not see fleas straying other animals if their normal source of food is limited. With all this warm humid weather we are seeing in South Carolina the flea population has exploding AND they are becoming resistant to many pesticides we have used in the past.

We have fleas, ticks and mites in large supply here in Alabama this summer too. It has rained almost every day. I am finding all are becoming resistant to the things I normally use.

 

[theoldchick]

We have fleas, ticks and mites in large supply here in Alabama this summer too. It has rained almost every day. I am finding all are becoming resistant to the things I normally use.

Tell me about it! I've have those helicopter horseflies that seem to love the spray I'm using on the horses. Poor horses run from those pests and I try my best but the dang things keep coming back. Fly sheets are worthless as the insect get under the material.

 

[akashia26]

treat your pets and treat your yard with a healthy dose of powdered lime. keep the animals out of it until you get a heavy dew to water it in or a rain. tends to discourage snakes too. the lime h2o reaction can cause minor chemical burns to large animals (reader larger than large spider) but kills insects and other bugs that get it on themselves. after being watered in it helps your lawn. a sprinkler also works well. snakes don't like the lime cause it burns them between the scales. but that's how we treat fleas, dust sandy areas thoroughly.