Learn everything about chicken parasite management – from identifying mites, lice, and worms to natural and chemical treatments. Complete guide for backyard chicken owners with prevention tips and treatment protocols.

Introduction

If you’ve noticed your chickens scratching more than usual or laying fewer eggs, then congratulations—you may have just discovered the unwelcome world of chicken parasites. Before you panic, know this: you’re not alone. Backyard chickens everywhere encounter these pesky freeloaders, but with the proper know-how, you can keep your flock healthy, happy, and parasite-free.

Today, we’re breaking down the ultimate guide to chicken parasites—from mites to worms, prevention strategies to treatments, and everything in between. So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your jam) and get ready to reclaim your coop.

I. External Parasites

External parasites live on the outside of your chickens, making your feathered friends scratchy and irritable. If your chickens could talk, they’d tell you it feels worse than that one time they had to share their coop with “talkative” Henrietta.

A. Mites

Mites are tiny, stealthy, and utterly annoying pests that make themselves at home on your chickens’ skin, feathers, or even in your coop. Gross, right? Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Mites

• Red Mites: The vampires of the chicken world. These mites only come out at night to feed, which makes them hard to spot initially.
• Northern Fowl Mites: Active during the day (translation: they don’t even bother to be sneaky).
• Scaly Leg Mites: These burrow under the scales on your chickens’ legs, causing swelling and discomfort. Think flaky scales, but not the glamorous kind.

How to Identify Mites

• Visual Signs: Bare spots, redness, or irritated skin.
• Behavioral Changes: Chickens itching, pecking at themselves, or looking restless.
• Location on Bird: Check the vent, under wings, and around the legs for signs of mites.
• Time of Activity: Night or day, depending on the mite type.

Treatment Options

• Natural Treatments
• Give your chickens regular access to dust baths (diatomaceous earth mixed with dirt is a fan favorite).
• Neem oil can help repel these pests naturally.
• Chemical Treatments
• Poultry-safe mite sprays or powders (look for permethrin-based products).
• Environmental Cleaning
• Deep clean your coop, replace all bedding, and apply mite repellents to nesting and roosting areas.

And don’t forget to follow up in a week or two—mites are notorious for popping back like bad neighbors.

B. Lice

No, not the kind you worried about catching in elementary school—these lice are specific to chickens and equally irritating.

Types of Lice

• Body Lice (common): Found on the body and feathers.
• Shaft Lice (less common): Found near feather shafts.
• Head Lice (rare-ish): Typically found on—you guessed it—the head.

How to Identify Lice

• Location on Birds: Look under the wings, around the vent, and the back of the neck.
• Appearance: Lice are yellowish, long-bodied, and often visible crawling through feathers (ew!).
• Behavioral Symptoms: You’ll notice scratching, ruffled feathers, and lethargy.
• Eggs (Nits): These cling to feathers like superglue, especially around the vent area.

Treatment Options

• Dust Baths
• Ensure your chickens have access to dust baths at all times.
• Natural Remedies
• Mix wood ash, sand, and diatomaceous earth into their dusting spots.
• Chemical Treatments
• Apply poultry-safe lice powders to the birds AND clean their bedding thoroughly.

Stay consistent! Treating lice is like pulling out weeds—they grow back if you don’t catch them all.

II. Internal Parasites

Moving on to internal parasites—these little buggers live inside your chickens and can cause some major damage if left untreated.

A. Worms

Yup, worms! Because having a parasite inside you is just… lovely. Thankfully, we can tackle them with the right strategies.

Common Types of Worms

• Roundworms
• Cecal Worms
• Capillary Worms
• Gapeworms
• Tapeworms

Symptoms to Watch For

• Weight loss despite the chicken eating as usual.
• Decreased egg production (hey now, that’s your breakfast!).
• Diarrhea or messy droppings.
• Lethargy (napping seems cute but isn’t always normal).
• Pale combs or dull feathers.
• Visible worms in droppings (file under “things you never wanted to see”).

Treatment Options

• Chemical Dewormers
• Ivermectin or fenbendazole are effective but follow withdrawal periods for egg consumption.
• Natural Remedies
• Incorporate garlic, pumpkin seeds, or apple cider vinegar into their diet (worms hate these).
• Rotation Strategies
• Alternate deworming methods to prevent resistance buildup.

Once treated, ensure your flock has proper recovery care—including high-quality feed and probiotics to build their strength back up.

III. Prevention Strategies

You know what’s better than dealing with parasites? Not dealing with them in the first place.

A. Environmental Management

• Keep the coop clean and dry—always.
• Maintain a dust bath and add diatomaceous earth regularly.
• Rotate pastures, so chickens aren’t always exposed to the same droppings.

B. Nutritional Support

• Introduce immune-boosting supplements, like oregano oil or garlic powder.
• Use diatomaceous earth in their feed once a month, but do so cautiously.

C. Regular Monitoring

• Check your flock weekly for signs of external parasites.
• Scoop a poop (yep, it’s gross) to check for worm activity.
• Keep a small log to track any unusual behavior.

IV. Long-term Management

The fight against parasites is ongoing, but it’s one you can win long-term.

• Rotate treatments (don’t rely on one product forever).
• Incorporate natural and chemical remedies to balance effectiveness.
• Keep detailed records of treatments, symptoms, and any infestations.

V. Emergency Response

If your flock is dealing with a severe infestation—head to action fast. Look for these signs:

• Chickens too weak to perch or walk.
• Loss of appetite or dramatic drop in egg production.
• Visible nests of lice or mites.

Separate the affected chickens, treat immediately, and call a veterinarian for backup if needed.

Common Questions

When to treat chickens for parasites?

• Ideally, you should treat chickens for parasites every 3-4 months. However, some flock owners choose to rotate treatments monthly to prevent any resistance buildup in the parasites.

Are there any natural remedies for treating chicken parasites?

• Yes! Some natural remedies include diatomaceous earth, garlic powder and oregano oil. Keep in mind that natural remedies may not be as effective as chemical ones and should be used cautiously.

How can I tell if my chickens have worms?

• The best way to tell is by performing a fecal float test or by checking their droppings for visible signs of worms (such as small white specks). You can also observe your chickens for any unusual behavior, such as weight loss or poor growth.

How often should I deworm chickens?

• Deworming should be done every 3 months as part of a regular preventive treatment plan. However, if your chickens show signs of infestation or if you have new birds joining your flock, it’s important to deworm them immediately.

How do I prevent parasites in my chicken coop?

• Keeping a clean and well-maintained coop is crucial in preventing parasites. Regularly clean out bedding, keep the area dry and well-ventilated, and regularly inspect your chickens for any signs of infestation. You can also use natural deterrents such as herbs or essential oils to help repel parasites. Additionally, separating new birds from the rest of the flock and quarantining them for a few weeks can help prevent introducing parasites to your existing flock.

Do I need to treat all of my chickens if only one has parasites?

• Yes, it’s important to treat the entire flock even if only one chicken is found to have parasites. This will prevent any potential spread and ensure all birds are healthy. It’s also important to clean and disinfect the coop thoroughly after treatment.

What should I do if my chickens become infested with mites or lice?

• If your chickens have been infested with mites or lice, you should immediately treat them with an appropriate pesticide. You should also clean and disinfect the coop and surrounding areas thoroughly. Additionally, consider implementing preventive measures such as regular dust baths and the use of diatomaceous earth in the coop to help keep mites and lice at bay. If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian for further treatment options.

What kills chicken mites instantly?

• There are many commercial products available that claim to kill chicken mites instantly. However, it’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions on these products as they may contain harmful chemicals. Alternatively, you can use natural methods such as diatomaceous earth or essential oils to help eradicate mites on your chickens and in the coop. It’s important to note that regardless of the method used, repeated treatments will likely be necessary to completely eliminate mites.

Can chicken parasites affect humans?

• Yes, some chicken parasites can affect humans. For example, salmonella can be transmitted from infected chickens to humans. It’s important to practice good hygiene when handling chickens and their eggs, such as washing your hands thoroughly after handling them and cooking eggs thoroughly before consumption. If you suspect you or someone in your household has been affected by a chicken parasite, seek medical attention immediately.

• Chicken mites can come from a variety of sources, such as wild birds or other animals that may carry them. They can also be introduced to your flock through contaminated bedding, feed, or even on clothing or equipment. It’s important to regularly inspect and clean the areas where your chickens live to help prevent infestations.

What is the difference between chicken mites and lice?

• Chicken mites and lice are both common parasites that can affect chickens, but they have some key differences. Mites are smaller than lice and are usually only visible with a microscope. They also tend to live in the coop and only come out at night to feed on chickens. Lice, on the other hand, are larger and can be seen with the naked eye. They tend to live directly on the chickens and can cause irritation and feather damage. Proper identification is important in determining the best course of treatment for your flock.

How long do chicken parasites live?

• The lifespan of chicken parasites can vary, but it’s important to note that they can reproduce quickly and infestations can grow rapidly if left untreated. Some mites, such as the northern fowl mite, can live up to 34 days without feeding. Lice tend to have shorter lifespans, around 30 days. It’s important to regularly check your flock for signs of parasitic activity and take action immediately if any are found.