Whole flock has chicken fleas/mites. How do I get rid of them?

[RoosterML]

Stop with the DE. You are well beyond using DE. Use the Guard Star!

 

[cmom]

I thought I'd add this permethrin dilution rate chart for the various permethrin concentrates made by a BYC member on this thread in case other members happen across issues with mites/lice. I realize that this thread really addresses stick tight fleas..
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...tight-fleas-in-poultry-with-permethrin.74325/

 

[CindyLouWhoToo]

We call those "sand fleas" after doing some research, we have successfully treated the flock by putting a tiny drop of Fipronil on each bird. We were able to find a (Frontline) generic and got the packaging for extra large dogs. We gloved up one night and drew it up in a syringe, broke the needle to about 1/4" long and used that to put a drop behind the comb of each bird. This worked and it was late enough in the season that the problem was solved until the next spring. It gave almost instant relief and didn't seem to hurt any of the chickens. These fleas are on rabbits, birds other wild animals that keep the sandy soil around our place "planted" with new fleas so the process had to be repeated the next spring. We are now putting out lime that helps around the barnyard and sulfur in the dusting areas the chickens use that both seem to be working for now. Our chickens free range pretty far out into the pasture.

 

[chickencheerios]

We call those "sand fleas" after doing some research, we have successfully treated the flock by putting a tiny drop of Fipronil on each bird. We were able to find a (Frontline) generic and got the packaging for extra large dogs. We gloved up one night and drew it up in a syringe, broke the needle to about 1/4" long and used that to put a drop behind the comb of each bird. This worked and it was late enough in the season that the problem was solved until the next spring. It gave almost instant relief and didn't seem to hurt any of the chickens. These fleas are on rabbits, birds other wild animals that keep the sandy soil around our place "planted" with new fleas so the process had to be repeated the next spring. We are now putting out lime that helps around the barnyard and sulfur in the dusting areas the chickens use that both seem to be working for now. Our chickens free range pretty far out into the pasture.

Interesting! I've read about using flea medication for dogs, but the riskiness worried me too much to ever try it. Assuming you eat your hen's eggs, do you wait out an egg withdrawal, and for how long?

My original post was 4 years ago, and thankfully, I've found success using just permethrin since then. I've had a major breakthrough in the past 2 months and might finally be (almost) rid of these fleas. I'm thinking I'll make an update post soon in this thread for anyone who finds it in the future.