5 Common Parasites That Affect Chickens and How to Eliminate Them

Parasites like lice, mites, worms, and ticks can severely harm poultry health and productivity. External parasites cause itching, feather loss, and anemia, while internal worms damage digestion and growth. Most infestations start from dirty sheds, untreated bedding, or exposure to wild birds. Treat external parasites using poultry-safe sprays or dusts every 15–20 days. Deworm chickens every 30–60 days depending on age and farm size. Always rotate deworming medicines to prevent resistance. Use natural supplements like neem or garlic to support immunity. Regularly clean coops, replace bedding, and use lime or wood ash to treat floors. Limit outside exposure and quarantine new birds. A parasite-free flock grows better, lays more, and resists disease effectively. Prevention, not reaction, is the farmer’s strongest defense.