Parasites in chickens: how to prevent and treat them

Chickens, like other farm animals, can fall victim to parasites that affect their health and well-being. Whether you're an experienced chicken farmer or a novice, it's essential to know the different types of parasites that can affect your poultry, as well as the methods for preventing and treating them. In this article, we'll explore the most common parasites in hens, the signs of infestation, and possible solutions. 

1. Types of chicken parasites

a) External parasites

External parasites are those that live on the skin or feathers of hens. An affected individual may show the following signs: damaged or oily feathers, skin irritation, pale crest, reduced egg-laying and general loss of vigor. Prolonged infestation can lead to death. The most common parasites are:

• White lice: These are small, white-beige insects that feed on bird feathers. This type of louse is very common, but easy to control. They are generally found in wood shavings, straw and hay. They also live on hens and can be transmitted from one bird to another.

• Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae): These are grayish mites that feed on the blood of hens. They are particularly active at night, as they don't like light. They don't live on their hosts, and are mainly found in wood cracks, under objects, in nesting boxes or other dark places.

• Northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum): These tiny parasites live on hens and feed on their blood. They are red to almost black in color and are usually found near the cloaca, on the chest, top of the wings and on the head (especially for breeds with a hoopoe, such as silkies, polish, cream legbars, etc.).

• Ticks: Although less common, ticks can also parasitize your hens. They attach themselves to the skin to feed on their blood. They can carry diseases such as Lyme disease.

b) Internal parasites

Internal parasites live in the hen's digestive system. They can cause digestive problems, malnutrition and, in some cases, death. The most common are :

• Intestinal worms: Chickens can be infected by various types of worm, including roundworms and tapeworms. These parasites feed on nutrients in the intestine and can cause weight loss, low egg production, diarrhea and digestive disorders.

• Coccidia: Microscopic protozoa that infect hens' intestines. Infestation with coccidia can cause bloody diarrhea and rapid weakening, leading to death without appropriate treatment. This is one of the most common infections in chicks.
• Capillaries: These are small worms that infest the intestines and respiratory tracts of hens. Their presence can lead to respiratory problems, coughing and digestive disorders.

2. Signs of parasite infestation

It's essential to monitor your hens' health regularly for signs of infestation. Here are some common symptoms of parasitic infestation:

• Feather loss or damaged plumage: External parasites, such as lice and mites, can cause severe itching, leading hens to scratch and pluck.
• Behavioral changes: Infested hens may become more nervous, less active or lose their appetite.
• Digestive problems: Diarrhea, dehydration or weight loss may indicate internal infestation by worms or coccidia.
• Decreased egg production: A sick or parasitized hen may lay fewer eggs, or none at all.
• Pale crests: Anemia caused by a heavy infestation of blood parasites, such as red mites and northern fowl mites, can cause hens' crests to turn pale or even collapse.

3. How to prevent and treat parasites in chickens?

• Keep litter clean: Change the litter in the coop regularly to avoid parasite build-up.
• Maintain good food hygiene: Make sure your hens have access to clean water and healthy food. Avoid rotten or contaminated feed, which can be a source of parasitic infection.
• Regular checks: Examine your hens regularly by lifting the feathers, checking the condition of the flesh around the wishbone and feeling the crop (a healthy hen's crop will be full of grain at the end of the day). If one of your hens seems weakened, it's a good idea to isolate her so you can observe and treat her if necessary.
• Dust baths: Offering your hens a place to bathe in dust is a natural way to get rid of external parasites. This helps them get rid of lice and mites.
• Pest control products: Use suitable treatments, such as anti-parasite sprays or powders, available from specialist or veterinary stores. Be careful, and stick to the recommended doses.

4. Natural treatments

It's possible to maintain good health in our chickens without using drugs or commercial products. Natural treatments are ideal for prevention and for treating mild infestations.

• Diatomaceous earth: Ideal for preventing and treating white lice. You can sprinkle it on the floor, in the nesting boxes, in the sand bath and even offer it (in small quantities) in feed, as long as it's food-grade.
• Sulfur powder: Ideal for preventing red mites and Northern fowl mites. You can sprinkle it on the floor, in the nesting boxes and/or add it to the sand bath. Can be used to treat hens for light infestations. In case of severe infestation, use a specialized product, such as ivermectin (ivomec) or other products adapted to poultry.
• Ashes: for prevention against lice and mites. You can sprinkle it on the floor, in the nesting boxes and/or add it to the sand bath.
• Garlic: Garlic is renowned for its anti-parasitic and antibacterial properties. Add crushed garlic to your hens' feed to help prevent infestations.
• Pumpkin seeds: Raw pumpkin seeds can prevent internal parasites such as round worms and tap worms.
• Apple cider vinegar: often recommended for boosting hens' immune systems and protecting them against internal infections, including worms. Perfect for preventing coccidiosis in chicks. A preventive treatment following bird acquisition is recommended: 1-2 tablespoons per liter of water for 3 days. Can be used to treat mild coccidiosis infections.

In conclusion, parasites can seriously affect the health of your hens. However, by adopting a few simple gestures, maintaining good hygiene and administering appropriate treatments, you can keep your poultry healthy and productive. Remember, effective prevention is always easier and less costly than treating a major infestation. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation, and don't hesitate to consult a vet if necessary, to ensure the well-being of your hens.