stickfast fleas

Peasants · **Posted:** Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:28 pm

We have just discovered some of the chooks have a few stickfast fleas, something we haven't had here for years....not sure if it is because it has been so dry and hot....

We generally smear on a salve, called Rawleigh's, and fine that works over time, but would like to get rid of them quickly this time so they don't get too established.

What is the best way of getting rid of them, that is not too noxious???
Thanks

Faye · **Posted:** Sat Apr 23, 2011 3:55 pm

I believe vaseline petroleum jelly smeared over the fleas does the trick. To prevent them a couple of things to bear in mind when planning the chicken coop are to have a concrete base ( I wrote my name in the wet concrete, one day the grandchildren might find it an remember me, it also brings back the memories of making it with my dad) when the fleas drop to the ground at night to lay their eggs in the sand there is none there hehe. We also grow wormwood close by and break off small branches laying them on the floor, the chickens walk over them preventing the problem in the first place.

dufflight · **Posted:** Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:50 pm

Lime in the dirt they dig in also helps.

Peasants · **Posted:** Sun Apr 24, 2011 1:15 am

Faye, the Rawleigh's we use is like vaseline, but much thicker so it stays on, but it sometimes takes a while to work and we were worried they might really take off. We do have a barrier under their roost...a sheet of tin that slopes so each week or two we can scrape off the poo to use on the passionfruit etc! We have found this much more effective than cement underneath, as the cement always became covered in sand anyway with their scratching around!!! Not sure why we have the stickfast now though!
The lime idea sounds worth a try too Dufflight, thanks.

Faye · **Posted:** Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:40 am

Do you want some wormwood? I have some potted if you would like it. :wave:

Peasants · **Posted:** Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:53 am

Oooooh, yes please! Is it easy to grow? Do the chooks eat it or can it just grow around in the chook run?

Faye · **Posted:** Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:10 am

Dead set easy to grow, thrives on neglect once established, blue wrens like to nest in it. Supposed to keep the snakes away as well as mosquitos I think :dunno:

Peasants · **Posted:** Thu Apr 28, 2011 9:50 pm

Thanks Faye! Appreciate your time yesterday..... and your wormwood!

TTeddy · **Posted:** Thu Aug 09, 2012 1:57 pm

I found the best way is to catch the chicken and remove the fleas yourself!
The chicken will settle down quite quickly and will enjoy it. I think they will realise what you are doing and thank you in the end!
Once you think you have removed them all, use lavender oil over the area (NOT 100% as this will burn their skin).

Peasants · **Posted:** Sat Aug 11, 2012 10:41 am

I really cannot imagine sitting and picking off stickfast fleas....off each chook.... :dunno:

what patience you have!!

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stickfast fleas

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stickfast fleas

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