How chickens can self-apply sulphur powder

Sulphur powder will kill northern fowl mites and lice if it can reach the skin. Research has found small gauze bags of sulphur dust hung in nest boxes, coop doorways, and beside feeders will adequately dust birds as they brush past it.

Scientists believe the chicken’s body heat converts the sulphur into hydrogen sulphide (what you smell in Rotorua), which works as a fumigant.

The researchers used 100% cotton gauze, sewn into bags 7cm x 12cm, each holding 30g of sulphur powder. The bags were stapled shut and hung where birds would naturally brush up against them.

Even small amounts of sulphur had a significant effect on mite and lice numbers within a week, with near elimination within three weeks.

Source: Sulfur Dust Bag: A Novel Technique for Ectoparasite Control in Poultry Systems, 2016