Parasites
Methods, protocols, questions and discussion on both internal and external parasites, such as ticks, lice,... View more
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Lice and Mite Protocol
Lice and Mite Protocol
We used to deal with lice every year until Pat Coleby’s work sunk in. In her book, Natural Goat Care, Pat states that lice are a symptom of sulfur deficiency. I experimented and created the following protocol that worked with 100% success for us until we no longer needed it when we switched to the mineral buffet and they got all the sulfur they needed.
Lice
When lice are discovered, dust topically no more than 2-3x, every 3-4 days, with “organic yellow sulfur powder.” Use a spice shaker and shake-shake-shake against the hair grain from tail to poll, being sure to carefully avoid the face and ears and do this in a well ventilated place.
As a prevention in the future from fall through spring, put out the same sulfur or get purified feed grade sulfur, MSM, alongside but never mixed in their other minerals. Forced supplementation of minerals can lead to undesirable results.
Mites
If mites are present–or for any other skin condition that results in scabs, scales or painful sores–mix 2 tablespoons yellow sulfur powder (not from the mineral buffet, it contains rice hulls and will irritate skin) with 1/2 cup coconut oil. You can melt it down and stir, allowing to harden again. Then apply liberally to affected areas 2x daily for several days or until symptoms clear
You can see my full writeup on this protocol at https://littleavalonfarm.com/natural-treatment-for-lice-in-goats/.
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Brief summary of types of lice that affect goats and the lice life cycles. Describes how to find them and how they present in the goat. Interesting that for the most part, lice that affect goats are species specific, but do cross over to sheep. Does list conventional medications to control at the end of article.
“Lice are a common group of ectoparasitic insects of goats. Generally goat lice are host specific and only attack goats and their close relatives, such as sheep. There are five species of goat louse that fall into two categories based on feeding habits. The sucking lice feed by piercing the skin with tiny needle like mouthparts to take blood directly from the capillaries. The chewing lice (also known as biting lice) have large robust mouthparts designed to scrape and abrade the skin and hair. Chewing lice consume tiny bits of skin, skin secretions and hair for food.”
Lice: What They Are and How to Control Them | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)
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This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by
Haley. -
This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by Haley.
content.ces.ncsu.edu
Lice: What They Are and How to Control Them | NC State Extension Publications
Information on the different types of lice, diagnosis and treatment is presented in this factsheet. Lice are a common group of ectoparasitic insects of goats; infested animals are uncomfortable and often cause structural damage to farm facilities by rubbing and … Continue reading
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This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by
Lice protocol infographic
Mites protocol infographic.
https://theholisticgoat.com/lice/
theholisticgoat.com
Lice are very common and easily managed in a goat herd. The presence of lice is nothing to be upset about, though in this article…
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