Treat external parasites (mites and lice)

Dust affected birds with poultry-safe permethrin powder or spray with Elector PSP, focusing on the vent area, under wings, and around the neck where parasites concentrate. Simultaneously clean the coop thoroughly, treating all cracks and crevices where mites hide during the day. Repeat treatment in 7-10 days to kill newly hatched parasites.

Why It Works

Poultry mites (red mites, northern fowl mites) and lice feed on blood or skin debris, causing anemia, feather loss, reduced egg production, and death in severe infestations. Mites hide in coop crevices during the day and feed on birds at night, so treating only the birds without treating the coop is ineffective.

Tips

• Food-grade diatomaceous earth in dust baths helps prevent light infestations but is insufficient for severe cases
• Check birds at night with a flashlight to spot red mites, which are only on birds after dark
• Permethrin has a zero-day egg withdrawal; Elector PSP (spinosad) is approved for organic poultry