Signs a chicken is itchy
Chickens that are bothered by their skin may:
- scratch, peck or pull at feathers, especially around the vent, under the wings and on the back
- lose feathers or develop bare, red or scabby patches
- seem restless or irritable, or avoid the nest or roost
- stop laying or lay less
- have dirty, ruffled feathers or pale combs in heavier infestations
These are general signs. They tell you something is wrong, not what. Start by looking closely at the birds and the coop.
Common causes of itching
External parasites are the most common explanation, but other causes exist:
- Mites, including northern fowl mites, poultry red mites and scaly leg mites
- Lice
- Fleas, including sticktight fleas
- Non-parasite causes, such as molting and new feather growth, dusty or dirty bedding, ammonia from wet litter, dry skin, or irritation from a product
- Pecking from other birds, which may be mistaken for itching
If you find no parasites, but the problem continues, ask a vet.
Mites
Northern fowl mites live on the bird, mostly around the vent area. They feed on blood and can cause discomfort and reduced egg production. They can be introduced by wild birds and their nests.
Poultry red mites (chicken mites) look similar but spend much of their time away from the bird in cracks and crevices, and feed at night. A heavy infestation can be hard to get rid of and may cause serious problems for the birds. Look for gray or reddish specks in cracks near the roosts, especially on the underside of perches, and check birds after dark with a torch.
Scaly leg mites burrow in the skin under the leg scales. See our guide to scaly feet in chickens.
Lice
Chicken body lice live on the bird for their entire life cycle and feed mainly on feathers and skin debris. They are often flat, straw-colored insects that move quickly through feathers, and eggs may be seen glued at the base of feathers. Lice can be found on the breast, back, under the wings and around the vent. They can cause feather loss and reduced laying. Chicken lice are specific to birds, so the answer to the common question “can chickens get lice?” is yes, but they are not generally the same lice that affect people.
Fleas and sticktight fleas
Sticktight fleas are dark and flattened, and the adults attach to the skin of the head, often around the face, comb and wattles. They feed on blood, and can be a serious stress for young birds. They are not limited to chickens and can reach dogs, other pets and people. Flea eggs and larvae develop in the soil and litter, so cleaning the area is part of the answer. If your chickens have fleas, consider treating pets as well, and ask a vet for the safest way to treat chicks.
How to inspect birds and coop
- Birds: Part the feathers around the vent, under the wings, on the back and at the base of the tail. Look for moving insects, eggs on feather shafts, scabs and red skin. Check the face and comb for attached fleas, and the legs for raised scales.
- Time: Check at night as well as in the daytime for red mites.
- Coop: Look at the roost bars, nest boxes, and cracks in the wood. A white cloth or tissue wiped along a crevice can show red or gray specks.
- Signs of blood: Spots on eggs or a pale comb may suggest a heavy blood-feeding infestation.
Treating the flock and the coop
Parasite control is usually most successful when it combines several steps:
- Identify the parasite if you can, since treatments differ.
- Treat all birds, not only the scratching ones.
- Treat the coop. Remove old bedding, clean the housing thoroughly, pay attention to cracks and perches, and use fresh bedding.
- Repeat as the product directs, because eggs and young stages may survive the first treatment.
- Use products labeled for poultry and follow the label, including any egg or meat withdrawal period. Rules and available products differ by country. Your vet can advise.
- Reduce re-introduction: exclude wild birds, nests and rodents, and inspect new birds and equipment.
Some low-tech measures are used for particular parasites, such as smothering sticktight fleas with petroleum jelly or bathing birds with a mild non-abrasive soap, but these suit small numbers of birds and should be used with care.
Diatomaceous earth: what is known
University of California research described in an Entomology Today article found that diatomaceous earth mixed with sand, offered in a dust bath, can help manage mites and lice by getting into the feathers and onto the skin. That article describes a mix of one part DE to four parts sand. Applying DE to straw or soil alone was not effective against parasites living on the birds. DE dust can irritate human lungs, so wear a dust mask when handling it. Results are not guaranteed, and heavy infestations may need more than DE.
White worms in droppings
Small white worms in droppings are a different problem. They suggest intestinal parasites rather than skin parasites, and do not explain itching. Ask a vet about testing a fecal sample and appropriate deworming for your region.
Prevention
- Inspect and quarantine new birds
- Keep wild birds and rodents out of the coop and run
- Clean the coop routinely, and keep litter dry
- Make cracks and crevices easy to inspect and clean
- Provide a dust-bathing area
- Check birds regularly, including at night
- Clean borrowed or second-hand equipment before use
When to see a vet
- The bird is pale, weak, or has a very pale comb
- There are open sores, scabs or bleeding
- Chicks are affected
- Itching continues after treatment
- You are unsure what the parasite is or which product to use
- Many birds are affected or egg production drops sharply
Foot swelling or limping needs its own attention; see swollen chicken foot: causes and care.
FAQ
Why do my chickens keep itching?
Most often parasites, but also molting, dusty or damp litter, and irritation. Check the birds and coop closely.
Can chickens get lice?
Yes. Chicken lice live on birds and are specific to them.
My chickens have fleas. What should I do?
Treat the birds with products appropriate for poultry, clean the housing thoroughly and check pets that share the area. Ask a vet for the right product, especially for chicks.