DE DE DE

[SandraChick]

I don't think it was diana that had the crop problem ---- But I do believe it was one incident.

The bumblefoot issue is an interesting one. There are many causes of bumblefoot. If you already have a very dry environment, I could see that it may cause extra dry skin and perhaps some cracking.

On the other hand- my sister had some bumblefoot issues which I equated to moisture issues---as too moist an environment can also lead to problems with bumble foot.

I truly believe that with anything-- wether "natural", homeopathic, or even vetrinarian recommended, that you need to pay attention to how it affects your own flock.

For me, in this wet environment--I will continue to use DE just about everywhere where it stays dry (although I don't use it in the garden, as I don't want it to kill the bees and beneficial insects).

I also have to say, that I haven't had to use chemical wormers on my cats since I started giving them DE--they are hunters and the vet is surprised every time she gets a poop sample! I might turn her into a believer yet.

Sandra

 

[speckledhen]

I dont think Diana had a crop problem, but I think she has mentioned that DE may cause crop problems in trying to help someone else.
I too have never experienced any worm issues with any except for one bird and it was only after cutting back on the DE. I don't know about the association of DE with bumblefoot, but I'd love to know what Diana thinks about that as well. My coops are clean, dry, no water leakage into the coop at all. I was at my wits end trying to eradicate these foot infections and I may just be grasping at straws, but if there is any chance it is causing or even exacerbating the problem, I need to know that.

 

[k625]

So, basically the best place for DE is on the run floor mixed in with some sand? I can also dust them with DE too correct? I also want to worm, I keep seeing a few of them doing the "gaging" thing where it looks like they are chocking. I know gapes are rare, but they also have never been wormed, and its getting into fall/winter so I want to treat now. Is fenbendazole best to use?

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I use DE mixed into their feed for worming...using it on the floor or around corners and their nest boxes is to keep bugs or mites, lice at bay and to help with keeping the smell down...

When I have wormed I used Wazine and pumpkin seeds...