Why don't chickens get ticks? This is bugging me ....

[baregretchen]

My woods are loaded with ticks here in So. Md. If I don't use Frontline on my dogs and cats, they will wind up infested! I've always wondered why my chickens don't get ticks (or wild birds either). Anyone know?

 

[DTchickens]

They can, i've known someone who had a hen they almost lost due to a tick being on the comb.. Or so they say, but the main reason they don't get them is because they eat them.

 

[spook]

I agree that they don't get them because they eat them.

Also, if you powder or give your bird Ivomectin this is very distasteful for mites, fleas and ticks.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

yes yes yes! they eat them!!!

i was all bummed b/c i couldnt get guineas this year - we were COVERED in ticks all last year (the first summer on our new property).

this year i've pulled exactly 2 off my dogs. for a while i thought all the ticks were killed in a late frost - but my neighbors have been plagued by them!

yay chickens!

 

[ArizonaNessa]

I would think that the reason why you hardly ever find a tick on a chicken is because they are constantly preening and they eat them. It would stand to reason that a chicken would get ticks on the comb or wattles though because they can't pick/preen that area.