chili powder

[mkunzphoto]

My pest control company advised me to sprinkle chili powder around the edges of my deck and shed (it's elevated off the ground) to deter rodents. My chicken coop will also be elevated with a chicken wire floor lined with straw. I am worried about rodents going underneath and spreading lice/disease. Does anyone know if the chili powder will harm the hens?

 

[3KillerBs]

Birds love peppers and are not sensitive to the heat. Its commonly mixed with bird seed to keep squirrels out of feeders.

I've heard it will give the egg yolks a vibrant, orange color too.

BTW, its much cheaper to go to the international aisle in your favorite grocery store and buy the dried hot peppers from the Mexican section then grind them up in your blender or food processor. De Arbols are VERY hot.

I haven't gotten my chickens yet, but I've used hot peppers effectively against voles in the garden.

 

[centrarchid]

I can include chili / paprika / cayenne powder at 10% of diet with no ill effects.

 

[LBsYardBirds]

I've always heard that Cayenne peppers help eliminate internal parasites as well. Is this true? If not what is the best for worming my ladies?

1. Diatomaceous earth?

 

[centrarchid]

The pepper powders are not effective as de-wormers, nor have I seen any evidence I trust supporting use of DE as a de-wormer in poultry. You do not always have to use de-worming agents but when you do, proper use of the proven effective agents is the way to go. I use such only sparingly.

 

[LBsYardBirds]

That's what I figured. I don't plan on going crazy with all the things i do for my chickens but i know this was a common debate. Just thankful for your information about peppers. I may or may not use DE just trying to get all my facts straight first. Thanks