6 ways to control lice

1

Have a dust bath area or provide a large pan or container for dusting to help birds get rid of lice themselves. Ideally, mix 6 cups of diatomaceous earth (DE) with 12kg of washed sand (the fine sand used by builders and in sandpits) – it’s available by the bag in hardware stores. Mix well, and always wear a dust mask or respirator while mixing.

2

Dust birds with sulphur powder (flowers of sulphur, available from rural feed stores) – make sure the powder reaches the skin. Repeat regularly.

3

Apply a dose of ivermectin, 0.1ml (1 drop) per kg of bodyweight, eg 2 drops for a 2kg bird. The withholding period for meat and eggs is at least 14 days after treatment or as advised by a vet. 4

Use a louse treatment, available from poultry supply stores.

5

Spray the coop with an insecticide such as Extinosad (not for use on birds).

6

If possible, leave the coop empty for a time as lice can’t survive without poultry to feed on.