External Parasites in Backyard Poultry

By Barry Whitworth, DVM, MPH | Senior Extension Specialist Department of Animal & Food Sciences | Ferguson College of Agriculture | Oklahoma State University

According to the 11th edition of Poultry Diseases, external parasites of poultry are arthropods that live on or in the skin and feathers. Essentially, parasites are freeloaders that live at the expense of the host. Backyard birds are infested with a variety of pests. Ticks, fleas, mites, and lice are some of the most common external parasites found in chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Several of these parasites are bloodsuckers. If not controlled, they can cause weight loss, decreased egg production, unthriftiness, and death in severe cases.

According to a study conducted by Dr. Amy Murillo and associates in California, the most common external parasites in backyard flocks were lice, fleas, and mites. Lice were the most frequently observed parasites, with the chicken body louse (Menacanthus stramineus) found on half of the premises inspected. The fluff louse (Goniocotes gallinae) was found in 35% of operations. The wing louse (Lipeurus caponis) and sticktight flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea) were present in 20% of flocks. Northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum), which are the most common mites found in commercial poultry operations, were detected in only 15% of flocks. However, the survey was conducted in the summer, which may have influenced the low number of northern fowl mites, since they are most active in the winter.

Birds infested with external parasites often become agitated due to skin irritation. They will spend more time preening and scratching. Their feathers may become damaged, and they may appear unhealthy. Birds showing these signs should be examined.

When examining birds for external parasites, producers should focus on the breast, back, head, vent region, and wings. Lice may be found on different parts of the body. They are yellowish in color and lie flat against the skin. Their eggs are typically found attached to the shafts of feathers. The vent area is the primary location to check for mite infestations and may appear “dirty.” Sticktight fleas are usually found embedded in the comb.

Birds should be monitored regularly. When producers are unable to examine all birds, they should focus on the young, the old, and any bird that appears unhealthy. The coop should also be inspected. Producers should examine the bedding, walls, and roosts, with close attention given to crevices and cracks where pests may hide.

Before parasite control can begin, the parasite must be correctly identified. Producers can use books or other publications for this purpose, or they may consult a veterinarian. Contacting the local Oklahoma State University Extension office is also a useful option. An agricultural extension educator may be able to identify the pest or submit samples to the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory at Oklahoma State University for identification.

Prevention and control of external parasites require an integrated approach. The first line of defense is a strong biosecurity program to prevent parasites from entering the operation. Sanitation is also critical, keeping the coop and surrounding area clean helps prevent infestations.

Maintaining healthy birds is essential in preventing parasite infestations. Producers should focus on proper nutrition and disease prevention as they are key factors in maintaining a healthy flock. A strong immune system can help birds better withstand some external parasites.

Selecting the proper pesticide and using it correctly is essential. Many pests described in this article can be controlled with appropriate pesticides; however, their eggs are not killed, which requires repeated applications to target newly hatched larvae. Producers should read and follow pesticide label directions.

Alternative methods for external parasite control are also available such as providing diatomaceous earth mixed with sand for dust bathing or using sulfur bags to control mites and lice. For more information on these methods, see references below.

Finally, early identification and treatment greatly increase the chances of successful control. If infestations are allowed to become established, control becomes much more difficult.

For more information on external parasites in backyard poultry, producers may visit https://www.veterinaryentomology.org/ or contact their local veterinarian or Oklahoma State University County Agriculture Extension Educator.

References

Arends, J., J. (2003). External parasites and poultry pests. Diseases of Poultry. 11^th Edition.

Murillo, A. C., & Mullens, B. A. (2016). Diversity and Prevalence of Ectoparasites on Backyard Chicken Flocks in California. Journal of medical entomology, 53(3), 707–71.

Murillo, A. C., & Mullens, B. A. (2016). Timing Diatomaceous Earth-Filled Dustbox Use for Management of Northern Fowl Mites (Acari: Macronyssidae) in Cage-Free Poultry Systems. Journal of economic entomology, 109(6), 2572–2579.

Murrillo, A.C., Mullens, B.A. (2016). Sulfur Dust Bag: A Novel Technique for Ectoparasite Control in Poultry Systems: Journal of Economic Entomology, 109(5), 2016, 2229-2233.