ABSTRACT
Dustbathing has been demonstrated to be an effective mechanism to control northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and body lice (Menacanthus stramineus) in laying hens when provided with dust boxes containing diatomaceous earth and kaolin (Martin and Mullens, 2012). These benefits were acquired only by the birds that did dustbathe in the dust boxes. Dust boxes containing sand alone were not effective in removing ectoparasites (Velozzi et al., 2015). Although ectoparasites are not a major health or performance issue in meat poultry because of their relatively short lifespan, infestations may be a bigger issue in breeding poultry.
