Hey everyone! 👋
Parasites like mites, lice, and worms can be a real challenge for chicken keepers, but if you prefer natural remedies over chemicals, there are plenty of effective options! 🐔🌿
🐛 Common Chicken Parasites & Symptoms
🔹 Mites & Lice: Feather loss, irritated skin, constant scratching.
🔹 Internal Worms: Weight loss, pale comb, diarrhea, reduced egg production.
🔹 Scaly Leg Mites: Crusty, raised leg scales.
🌿 Natural Remedies for Parasites
✅ 1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – All-Purpose Pest Control
- Use food-grade DE in dust baths & coop bedding to kill mites & lice.
- Mix a small amount in feed to help control internal parasites (not too much—it can dry out their system).
✅ 2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Internal Parasite Prevention 🍏
- 1 tbsp per gallon of water helps with digestion & prevents worm infestations.
- Creates a gut environment parasites don’t like.
✅ 3. Herbs for Natural Worming & Mite Repellent 🌱
- Garlic – Natural dewormer; mix fresh or powdered into feed.
- Oregano & Thyme – Boosts immunity and fights internal parasites.
- Mint & Lavender – Repels mites & lice in nesting boxes.
✅ 4. Wood Ash – Dust Bath Booster 🛁
- Chickens naturally dust bathe to get rid of mites—mix wood ash into their dust bath for extra protection.
✅ 5. Coconut Oil for Scaly Leg Mites 🦵
- Massage into affected legs daily for a week to suffocate mites.
🚨 When to Use Medication Instead
While natural remedies work as prevention and mild treatments, sometimes you’ll need to use medicated dewormers or mite treatments for severe infestations. Monitor your flock and act fast if symptoms worsen!
💬 What natural remedies have worked for your flock? Have you tried herbal treatments or DE with success? Drop your experiences below! 📸👇🐔🌿
