Bird lice or Poultry lice

Natural Habitat

Bird lice are found on the skin and feathers of their host birds, commonly chickens, turkeys, and other domestic or wild birds.

Diet & Feeding

They feed on feathers, dead skin cells, and blood from the host bird.

Behavior Patterns

These lice are permanent parasites, spending their entire life cycle on the host bird. They move rapidly through the feathers when disturbed and reproduce quickly on the host’s body.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Bird lice can cause significant irritation, feathers loss, and anemia in birds, which can lead to decreased egg production or death in severe cases. They do not typically infest humans but may bite and cause temporary itching and irritation if they come into contact with human skin. Benefits: None known for the host or humans.

Identified on: 1/5/2026