Spraying with permethrin 10 for lice - how to

[MrPaw]

I gave my little black polish hen a bath today, her beautiful white head was a dirty brown, and while drying her found what I determined was a very bad infestation of lice under her wings. After recovering from the shock and bleaching the bathroom, and hot water and high heat wash and dried all the towels, I'm searching for what to do for her. I have not checked my other 11 girls. I'm so confused on the best course of action. I've read many threads, some say to use ivectrin (sp) orally, some say permethrin 10 concentrate mixed with water and sprayed. I want to try the permethrin 10 solution but want to know how to actually apply. Do I just douse the backs of each bird, from neck to tail feathers, until wet, lightly spray or douse their entire body. I know I'll have to clean and spray the coop and nest boxes. Won't the hens just consume the stuff when preening?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It's best to try to part the feather so the spray makes contact with the skin. Spray your Permethrin solution under the wings, at the base of the neck and below the vent.

Ivermectin is not approved for use in poultry. It does still seem effective in treating lice/mites in poultry but some folks are saying it's not as effective as it used to be. You would also want to do some research to find an egg throw away period that you are comfortable with.

 

[MrPaw]

It's best to try to part the feather so the spray makes contact with the skin. Spray your Permethrin solution under the wings, at the base of the neck and below the vent.

Ivermectin is not approved for use in poultry. It does still seem effective in treating lice/mites in poultry but some folks are saying it's not as effective as it used to be. You would also want to do some research to find an egg throw away period that you are comfortable with.

Thank you. Do I do a light or heavy spray?
Some of my hens just won't let the littlest girls dust bath. They have this favorite spot and do not like to share. I've even tried an old tub with dirt, ash and DE, they just won't touch it. This may be why I have this problem.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you. Do I do a light or heavy spray?
Some of my hens just won't let the littlest girls dust bath. They have this favorite spot and do not like to share. I've even tried an old tub with dirt, ash and DE, they just won't touch it. This may be why I have this problem.

Since you have an active infestation, I would wet the areas mentioned above.

Hens are funny over their dust bathing spots. I try to rake up the run and loosen the dirt in several locations so the other have places to use too.

 

[Kiki]

Be sure that you treat weekly for at least three weeks.
Spray ALL birds and the coop.
This spray is ready to use...no mixing required.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/martins-horse-stable-permethrin-citronella-spray-1-qt

 

[MrPaw]

Thank you for your replies. What is your recomendation period for discarding eggs if spraying for three weeks?

 

[Acre4Me]

No egg withdrawal period with permethrin.

Clean and spray the coop really well, including roost bars and all cracks, corners, etc. if you normally toss the bedding in the run to decompose, instead, throw it elsewhere outside of their coop/run/range area, or into burn pile or in the garbage. you can throw into the compost pile too, but avoid that if that is where the girls will free range.

we usually have 2 people to spray the chickens. One holds a chicken upside down with legs spread apart enough to spray the vent area, between the legs, and under the wings. Then they get put into the cleaned coop. For our large rooster, who is too large to pick up, the other person keeps him in one place and holds his legs slightly apart then wings up to get the important areas. Usually we do the rooster first so he’s not getting upset at the treatment of his girls, instead he can talk chicken to them when they get put into the coop after him.

remember at least 1 repeat spray/coop clean out in 7-10 days.

 

[Kiki]

Thank you for your replies. What is your recomendation period for discarding eggs if spraying for three weeks?

Zero days.

 

[Eggcessive]

If you read the label on permethrin 10 for mixing instructions, I believe 15 ml or 1/2 ounce is the usual amount sprayed on each average sized chicken. The same amount should be used for the ready to use variety. No egg withdrawal. Lice should be treated every 10 days, and mites require spraying every 7 days, while the permethrin will last for 30 days inside the coop. Some have said that one treatment of the spray has been enough to keep the lice off, but mites are much harder to treat.

 

[MrPaw]

I am amazed at the willingness of all the BYC members to help those of us searching for actual helpful information. You all have never failed to come through. I want to say thank you and look forward to one day being up to the challenge of helping another person.