23/05/2026
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*** FLY STRIKE ***
It doesn’t happen often, but if it does, you need to know what to do - this is an EMERGENCY.
The following is a protocol used by many vets:
Flush the area with water to flatten down the feathers. This will allow you to see the extent of the problem more clearly and will also flush away a few of the maggots.
Next, spray the area with F10 spray. This contains permethrin and the maggots will start to die immediately. Physically remove the maggots as they are dying using the F10 spray, a shower head on a gentle setting and manually with forceps/tweezers.
Removing all the maggots is important because toxins are released when the maggots die.
Keep flushing and spraying until you are sure every maggot has been removed and there are no remaining fly eggs.
Pain relief is important at this stage, the damage inflicted by the maggots is very painful. Meloxicam is the usual medication used.
One application of Ivermectin can be given as it will kill any maggots that you have missed.
Shock can be a serious complication when treating fly strike. Once the initial treatment is complete, dry your hen with a hair dryer on a warm setting and put her somewhere where she can relax and feels safe. A dog crate is ideal and food and water need to be readily available. Nutridrops or Critical Care Formula are beneficial too.
Fly eggs are small and look a bit like sawdust. When they hatch, the maggots burrow down into the flesh. Often the first thing you see is a poorly hen with a wet area around the vent.
Provided the damage is not too severe, the resulting open wound will heal. Applying Leucillin or Vetericyn twice daily will help to counter any superficial infection. It is amazing how quickly these wounds can heal.
The hen is vulnerable to repeat attacks so attention to the cause is important. A vent area that is soiled with faeces is the most common initiating factor. Treat any causes of diarrhoea such as too much green vegetables or worms.
F10 Germicidal Barrier Ointment can also be used as a preventative.
Provided you are well prepared, hens can survive even quite severe damage if you treat promptly.
List of materials and equipment needed:
F10 Germicidal wound spray
Shower head
Tweezers
Ivermectin
Leucillin/Vetericyn
Meloxicam (prescription only)
Nettex Nutridrops or Critical Care Formula
Dog crate and cage cups
F10 Germicidal Barrier Ointment or Battles Summer Fly Cream
https://www.viovet.co.uk/F10-Products-Germicidal-Wound-Spray-with-Insecticide/c22592/
Contains cypermethrin
F10 Products Germicidal Wound Spray with Insecticide is available online with fast delivery from VioVet, the trusted supplier of veterinary medication, foods and animal care products.
