How to Remove Fleas From Chickens

Fleas are parasites that feed on any warm-blooded animal, including chickens. The most common type of flea that infests chickens is the sticktight flea. Sticktight fleas burrow into the chicken and stay in place, as opposed to the jumping fleas found on cats and dogs. Symptoms of the infestation include dark-brown spots on the face, comb and wattle of the bird. Fleas can reduce egg production in flocks due to the blood loss suffered by birds. Flea infestations in chickens can be difficult to treat.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Malathion spray
  • Petroleum jelly
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move all chickens out of the infected area. Remove all feeders and water containers and clean with soap and water.

    • 2

      Remove all straw, shavings or other litter and burn if possible. Spray the area with malathion or another insecticide effective on fleas, such as carbaryl. Put down pine shavings for litter. Straw is not a good litter because fleas can hide in the tubes of the straw.

    • 3

      Coat the affected areas of the birds with petroleum jelly. After treatment, place birds back into the coop. The petroleum jelly will suffocate the fleas and they will fall off after they die.

    • 4

      Place feeders and water containers back into the coop. Be careful not to get any of the chemicals into feed or water.

    • 5

      Change pine shavings every couple of days and reapply petroleum jelly to affected areas.