The External Parasite Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Backyarders

External parasites are a common problem in backyard poultry and can have a significant impact on bird health and welfare. Mites, lice, and other blood- or feather-feeding pests cause irritation, stress, anaemia, feather damage, reduced egg production, and increased susceptibility to illness.

One of the main challenges for chicken keepers is that very few parasite treatments are approved on-label for poultry, with many products only available in large formulations intended for other species. This has led to widespread off-label use and informal compounding, which can be a minefield to navigate. Poorly diluted, inaccurately measured, or incorrectly labelled products carry real risks, including treatment failure, toxicity, and parasite resistance.

Because many parasites reproduce rapidly and survive in the environment, effective control is not achieved with a single treatment. Successful management relies on a holistic approach, combining good coop hygiene, regular monitoring, strong immune support, and careful use of appropriate products. This guide will help you navigate the compounded medication minefield, outlining the external parasite treatment options available in New Zealand, with clear dose rates and practical instructions for poultry.

First Off, Some Important Information

Take care not to confuse milligrams (mg) with millilitres (mL). Mixing these up can result in serious dosing errors.

Any use of off-label products in poultry should be under veterinary guidance, especially around withholding periods for eggs/meat and food safety.

What is Compounding?

Compounding is the preparation or modification of a medication by a veterinarian to meet the specific needs of an individual animal. This may involve adjusting the dose, concentration, or formulation when a suitable commercial product is not available, including dividing larger-volume products into smaller ones.

Label Requirements

Below is a list of the information you should expect to see on any properly compounded veterinary medication label:

  • Active ingredient(s) and strength
  • Dose and directions for use
  • Animal species and patient name
  • Date compounded and expiry (use-by date)
  • Storage instructions
  • Name and contact details of the prescribing veterinarian

On and Off Label

On-label use:
Using a medication exactly as written on the label (approved species, dose, and use).

Off-label use:
Using a medication outside the label directions (different species, dose, or purpose), under veterinary guidance.

The Options:

  • Ivomec ivermectin

    Ivomec 1%

    Active: ivermectin (10g/L)

    Registration: Off label 

    Dose rate 0.2mg/kg - 0.4mg/kg

    Withhold: 10 eggs and 63 meat

    Directions: Orally dose or apply once to the wing pits, back of the neck, or vent. Repeat treatment in 10 - 14 days.

    Note: Oral dosing is only effective against blood-feeding or intestinal parasites and is not reliable for parasites that live on feathers or skin.

  • Eprinex

    Eprinex

    Active: Eprinomectin (5g/L)

    Registration: Off-label

    Dose rate: 0.2 mg/kg - 0.4 mg/kg

    Withhold: 10 eggs and 63 meat

    Directions: Apply once to the wing pits, back of the neck, or vent. Repeat treatment in 10 - 14 days.

    Note: There is limited clinical data in birds. This product belongs to the mectin family and should be used cautiously.

  • Cydectin Oral Drench

    Cydectin Oral Drench

    Active: Moxidectin (1g/L)

    Registration: Off-label

    Dose rate: 0.2 mg/kg - 0.4mg/kg

    Withhold: 10 eggs and 63 meat

    Directions: Orally dose or apply once to the wing pits, back of the neck, or vent. Repeat treatment in 10 - 14 days.

    Note: Oral dosing is only effective against blood-feeding or intestinal parasites and is not reliable for parasites that live on feathers or skin.

  • Cydectin Pour On

    Cydectin Pour On

    Active: Moxidectin (5g/L)

    Registration: Off-label

    Dose rate: 0.2 mg/kg - 0.4mg/kg

    Withhold: 10 eggs and 63 meat

    Directions: Apply once to the wing pits, back of the neck, or vent. Repeat treatment in 10 - 14 days.

  • Moxidectin Pour On

    Moxidectin Pour On

    Active: Moxidectin (5g/L)

    Registration: Off-label

    Dose rate: 0.2 mg/kg - 0.4mg/kg

    Withhold: 10 eggs and 63 meat

    Directions: Apply once to the wing pits, back of the neck, or vent. Repeat treatment in 10 - 14 days.

  • permethrin permoxin insecticidal spray

    Permoxin

    Active: Permethrin (40g/L)

    Registration: Off label 

    Dose rate:

    Low - dose rate: 10ml of Permoxin to 1L of water. 

    High - dose rate: 20ml of Permoxin to 1L of water. 

    Withhold: 10 eggs and 63 meat

    Directions:

    • Use the low-dose dilution to spray or dip the birds legs. For external use only.
    • The higher-dose dilution may be applied using a spray bottle or backpack sprayer to treat the coop and housing surfaces. Apply only when birds are not present.
  • vetmax powder lice and flea power

    Vetmax Powder

    Active: Menthane - 3,8-diol 0.8% 

    Registration: Natural product, not needed 

    Withhold: 0 eggs and 0 meat

    Directions: Lightly dust affected areas and bedding. When applying to birds, avoid inhalation and eye contact for both bird and handler.

    Note: Can be used in combination with ivermectin/moxidectin

  • Vitapet flea powder

    Vitapet Flea Powder

    Active: Permethrin (19.5 g/kg)

    Registration: Off Label

    Withhold: 10 eggs and 63 meat

    Directions: Lightly dust affected areas and bedding. When applying to birds, avoid inhalation and eye contact for both bird and handler.

  • Exzolt

    Active: Fluralaner (10mg/ml)

    Registration:

    On-label (Red mites)

    Off-label (lice)

    Dose rate: 0.5 mg/kg

    Withhold: 0 eggs and 14 meat

    Directions: Orally dosed.

    Note: Exzolt is not registered for lice control in poultry. While there are anecdotal reports suggesting it may have some effect, this use is off-label and not well supported by research.

Need Help With Dose Rates?

Dose Rate Calculator

Summary

While there are many products available for treating external parasites, very few are approved on-label for poultry. Many also come in large-volume formulations, meaning compounding is often necessary to achieve safe and practical dose sizes.

Poorly compounded or incorrectly labelled medications carry real risks, including inaccurate dosing, reduced effectiveness, and potential harm to birds. For this reason, compounded products should only be sourced from reputable veterinarian.

Effective parasite control is not about relying on a single product. A holistic approach is essential, combining good coop hygiene, environmental cleaning, strong immune support, and appropriate treatments. Think of parasite control as using multiple tools in the toolbox, not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Warning

Compounded medications should only be obtained from a registered veterinarian or licensed pharmacy. Products purchased online or from unverified sources may have incorrect strength, poor stability, or contamination, which can result in treatment failure or harm. Always ensure compounded medicines are clearly labelled and prescribed for your specific animal.

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