Red lice are a real scourge in the poultry house, and can have serious medium- and long-term consequences on a family farm.
Red lice are difficult to detect in the early stages of propagation, because unlike chewing lice, they don’t live on the hens. No, red lice live in the dark recesses of the henhouse and come to feed on the hens’ blood at nightfall like vampires. This makes it difficult for family breeders to spot them.
What’s more, once installed, it’s very difficult to dislodge red lice from a henhouse, as their colony grows at breakneck speed.
Stress, anaemia, etc. – red lice can be the cause of many ailments in the henhouse, which is why it’s essential to get rid of them as quickly as possible, once their presence has been detected. Grandma’s remedies, such as using vinegar in the hens’ water, can be effective in improving their health and hydration.
Focus on a parasite that is undeniably enemy number 1 in family and professional poultry houses.
What is the red louse?
The red louse is a hematophagous mite, meaning it feeds mainly on blood. This type of louse proliferates in poultry houses, which provide it with an unlimited source of food and a warm, dark nest in which to breed in peace and quiet.
Beware, however, as the red louse is interested in all warm-blooded vertebrates, including human beings. In the event of a massive invasion, it’s not uncommon for the breeders themselves to be attacked by lice.
When it comes to where they stay, lice generally nest in the smallest nooks and crannies of poultry houses. That’s why it’s not always easy to notice their presence at first.
And since red hens are common in the wild, no garden coop is safe from them. That’s why vigilance, regular cleaning and prevention techniques are key to avoiding any invasion.
How dangerous are red lice for chickens?
Because they suck the blood of hens to feed, red lice represent a real danger in the henhouse. In fact, too many lice can lead to hens becoming anemic as a result of being bitten too regularly.
What’s more, the risk of transmitting bacterial and viral diseases from the lice to the hens is very real, with salmonellosis in the forefront.
What’s more, anaemia causes hens to lose a lot of energy, and their immune defences are depleted. This increases susceptibility to disease, and normally benign infections can become fatal.
Another big problem when red lice invade a henhouse is the stress they cause. When hens are permanently bitten, terrible itching begins to disrupt not only their daily routine, but also their sleep. The result: hens are permanently stressed, and it’s well known that stress is an invisible but devastating evil for gallinaceous animals.
Finally, it’s also worth remembering that anemic and stressed hens will not produce eggs. A significant drop in egg-laying can also be a warning sign of red lice infestation in the henhouse.
How to detect the presence of red lice in the henhouse?
There are several clues to the presence of red lice in the henhouse. In general, the condition of the hens indicates an abnormal situation on the farm. In fact, several symptoms are directly linked to the presence of red lice on the farm:
- General weakening
- A pale crest
- loss of feathers on the neck
- Bite marks on the skin
- A slowdown in egg-laying, or even a complete halt.
To begin with, it’s important to check whether a physiological problem is at the root of the problem. If no problem is detected, a complete examination of the henhouse and its structure should be carried out.
In this case, the search must be meticulous. Red lice are very small parasites, measuring no more than a millimetre when gorged with blood. Moreover, in the early stages of invasion, the number of lice may still be minimal. Careful attention is therefore needed to spot them. Every nook and cranny of the henhouse must be analyzed, from floor to ceiling, under the straw, between the boards, etc.
In the case of a more advanced invasion, the lice will be easy to spot and may even attack the farmer directly. At this stage, there’s no room for doubt: it’s time to take swift action to get rid of the pests.
To detect red lice every time, there are several tips:
- Locate red lice droppings, which look like greyish powder.
- Analyze chicken droppings, which can sometimes contain red lice gorged with blood.
- Attach a folded white handkerchief to the perches to catch a few lice.
How can I combat red lice in the henhouse?
Although red lice are very difficult to eradicate, it is nevertheless possible to get rid of them, and this is essential to preserve a henhouse.
Red lice are extremely hardy parasites. In fact, these little beasts can go up to 9 months without eating. What’s more, their reproduction cycle is extremely rapid, leading to an exponential proliferation of the colony in just a few weeks.
To get rid of red lice in a henhouse, several actions need to be taken, and quickly. Eliminating lice in the henhouse is an absolute priority. There’s nothing better than regularly monitoring the health of your hens.
Here’s how to get rid of red lice in the best possible way:
Step 1: clean from top to bottom
The first step in lice extermination is to clean the entire henhouse from top to bottom.
To do this, the hens will need to be moved to a second coop, ideally, or to a secure area until the eradication is complete.
Next, the litter needs to be disposed of in a garbage can bag. Once the bulk of the straw and droppings have been removed, you’ll need to sweep and vacuum the entire coop, not forgetting the smallest nooks and crannies. A sharp knife or scraper can be used to remove dirt between boards and in small gaps.
All dust and garbage removed from the henhouse should then be burnt to eliminate any risk of a louse surviving.
Once this step has been completed, you can continue cleaning the coop.
The next step is to wash the entire structure down with water. The use of a high-pressure cleaner is recommended. If you don’t have one, it’s advisable to rent one from a specialist retailer, as this type of appliance can dislodge all the dirt, eggs and red lice remaining in the henhouse, even in the smallest nooks and crannies.
You then have two options for completing the cleaning cycle:
- Blow the entire interior of the hen house with a blowtorch. A quick pass of the flame will kill any chicken or egg residue in the coop.
- Or use a steam cleaner, always paying particular attention to the nooks and crannies of the coop.
Use vinegar to sanitize surfaces
Vinegar is a natural product with disinfectant properties that can be used to sanitize hen house surfaces. As well as eliminating bacteria, viruses and fungi, it’s easy to use and environmentally friendly. To prepare an effective solution, mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on all surfaces to be sanitized, leave for ten minutes, then rinse with clean water. This simple, natural method helps keep poultry houses healthy and clean, reducing the risk of red lice infestation.
Eliminate limescale from drinking troughs
Limescale can quickly build up in chicken water troughs, creating an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria. White vinegar is an effective, natural solution for removing limescale deposits. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water directly in the water trough, and leave for thirty minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Repeat this operation regularly to ensure that waterers remain clean and limescale-free, providing healthy water for your hens.
Step 2: Observe a sanitary vacuum
Once you’ve literally sanitized the henhouse, it’s a good idea to observe a sanitary vacuum in the henhouse for several weeks.
When we said that getting rid of red lice was no easy task, we meant it!
As the sanitary vacuum is not sufficient to completely eliminate the risk of red lice returning to the henhouse, it will be necessary to complete the cleaning process with the application of various specific anti-red lice treatments.
Among the various solutions for getting rid of red lice, there are both synthetic and natural treatments.
What products are available to combat red lice?
There are several solutions for getting rid of red lice.
Chemical treatments are becoming increasingly problematic, as their over-frequent use, particularly on factory farms, has led to the development of resistance in red lice.
Please note: anti-lice chemicals are to be used in the henhouse, not on the hens. They are mainly organophosphates and pyrethroids.
In the face of chemical products, more and more natural products are being adopted by poultry farming enthusiasts. These products are often more eco-responsible, and pose no danger to gallinaceous birds and other pets that may live in the henhouse.
Natural products can also be used year-round as a preventive measure, to keep red lice at bay before they invade the henhouse. Among the natural products available to combat red lice, as well as many other parasites, there’s one that stands out for its formidable effectiveness: Diatomaceous Earth.
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
- Diatomaceous Earth is a natural product that is clearly a must-have when you have a domestic chicken coop.
- Diatomaceous Earth is highly effective in killing red lice. Its effectiveness has made it a favorite with hobby breeders, and even professionals.
- Diatomaceous Earth comes in powder form. It is originally a mineral extracted from diatomite deposits.
How do I apply Diatomaceous Earth to a chicken coop infested with red lice?
To use Diatomaceous Earth in a chicken coop infested with red lice, start by applying the cleaning principles outlined above. Next, sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth all over the henhouse and leave it to work as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
In the case of preventive treatment, the product can be scattered in a few strategic places around the coop.
In any case, always wear gloves and a mask when applying the treatment. Since the powder is volatile and potentially irritating, it’s important to protect your respiratory tract and hands.
For your information, you can buy Diatomaceous Earth on the Internet. There’s no need to scour all the specialist and DIY outlets looking for this product – it’s better to have it delivered direct to your home.
What are the alternatives for protecting your henhouse against red lice?
There are a number of alternative solutions that can help you say goodbye to the risk of red lice invading your henhouse. Among these, here are the 3 most noteworthy ideas:
Switch to a plastic coop
Plastic hen houses are an excellent alternative for preventing red lice from taking up residence in your gallinaceous poultry.
Unlike wooden coops, plastic coops have no gaps or cracks for lice to nest in.
Plastic coops are also easy to clean, ensuring impeccable hygiene all year round.
And the advantages of PVC hen houses don’t stop there, as they also offer optimum safety for your chickens. Predators can’t get in, and the hens can live in complete safety.
Last but not least, this type of henhouse offers the great advantage of being better insulated, so it’s cooler in summer and warmer in winter, much to the hens’ delight.
The leader in this field is undoubtedly the Omlet brand, which offers PVC hen houses with a modern, original design.
Adding a red chicken predator to the henhouse
Introducing a red chicken predator into the henhouse can be an interesting solution if the invasion is not at a very advanced stage, in which case a thorough cleaning is essential.
Androlis offers this type of solution. The concept is simple: introduce a stock of red lice predators into the henhouse to devour the parasites and their eggs and rid the hens of this pest.
Of course, these predators are completely harmless to both hens and humans.
It’s a 100% organic, all-natural solution of particular interest to family farmers.
Androlis can be used both as an attack treatment and as a preventive measure. It’s a smaller investment that will help avoid a massive infestation of red lice in the henhouse, which is very difficult to stop.
Using wood ash
Wood ash is a natural and effective method of combating red lice in the henhouse. Thanks to its abrasive properties, it helps destroy the shell of red lice, leaving them vulnerable. To use wood ash, simply spread it on the floor and around the nesting boxes in the henhouse. The hens will instinctively roll in the ash, which will help them get rid of the red lice. As well as being natural, this method is easy to implement and contributes to the well-being of your poultry.
Treating chickens directly
Appicure is an internal treatment for hens. It’s a 100% natural solution that simply mixes with the chickens’ feed.
The principle behind Appicure is ingenious: it transforms the hens’ blood into poisons for the red lice. As a result, red lice gradually weaken and disappear, instead of multiplying and proliferating.
Of course, the treatment poses absolutely no danger to the gallinaceans. The cure simply changes the taste of their blood and prevents the lice from feeding as they should.
Note that this solution can be used in conjunction with the purchase of red lice predators, and is particularly suitable for preventive use.
To prepare the solution, add one tablespoon of cider vinegar per liter of water to the hens’ drinking trough. Hens’ water treated in this way helps boost their immune systems, especially during hot spells, while ensuring optimal hydration and better water quality.
Chicken water treatment
Cider vinegar is an excellent supplement for boosting hens’ immune systems and helping them to combat red lice. To prepare this solution, add one tablespoon of cider vinegar per liter of water to the hens’ drinking trough. By drinking this treated water, the hens will benefit from the beneficial properties of cider vinegar, making them more resistant to parasites. This simple, natural method is an excellent way to support your hens’ health while preventing red lice infestations.
Preventing red lice with good hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene in the henhouse is essential to prevent red lice infestations. Regular cleaning of the coop, feeders and troughs can eliminate bacteria and parasites before they become a problem. Make sure you provide a clean and healthy environment for your hens by regularly removing droppings and changing the litter. By following these hygiene practices, you’ll contribute to the health and well-being of your hens, reducing the risk of red lice infestation.
In conclusion:
The first thing to remember about red lice is that no poultry farm is completely safe from invasion.
Red lice are insidious, and it can sometimes take some time before farmers become aware of their presence in the henhouse. By then, it’s often too late, and dealing with these pests becomes a nightmare.
To make the most of your family’s hen house and avoid the constant fear of red lice, it’s best to opt for a series of preventive measures, including the installation of a PVC hen house, the integration of lice predators in the hen house, or the addition of Appicure to the chickens’ food.
On the other hand, when an invasion has already occurred, there’s only one thing to do: react quickly and forcefully! To do this, don’t hesitate to relocate the hens and clean the coop thoroughly. This must be done with the utmost care and using the right cleaning tools: high-pressure machine, net, etc.
