The others can be found occasionally, but they seldom are found in significant numbers. These minor species have basically the same biology and habits as the chicken body louse and the same control strategies will control them. They constantly irritate the birds with their claws and mouthparts as they crawl over the bodies of the birds. Lice seldom leave the bodie s of infested birds except to move to other birds. Body lice may build up huge populations on birds.
Large infestations can cause loss of body weight and a significant drop in egg production.
The entire life cycle can occur in as little as 3 weeks. Lice eggs are laid in masses and adhere to the base of feathers. When examining birds for lice, the whole body should be examined, because they are not as concentrated around the vent as are northern fowl mites. The white egg masses at the base of the feathers are the best indicators of a lice infestation. Like northern fowl mites, lice populations build up in cooler weather.