DE, Dust bathing, forest flock

[HH.Wench]

What is the best material to use for dust bathing? My flock is in the woods and its very damp and humid here. The leaf litter and moist soil just doesnt do the job and they are all itching at their bodies a lot with their beaks.

In the past I used plain sand, is there something better?

Can DE be safely mixed with the dust bath material to help prevent mites, or will they inhale it while rolling, etc?

I bought this whole flock as adults from a breeder and they seem a little ragged and itchy. My old flock was raised by me from day 1 as peeps, and the birds were always spotless and meticulous. Hoping some good Dust and DE areas will help get them back into shape? (They are a breed prone to delicate feathers)

 

[Lazy Farmer]

DE can cause respiratory issues when inhaled with irreversible effects. It is like shards of glass under a microscope.
COVERED FROM WEATHER ELEMENTS-Natural dusty sand... Mixed with wood ash if available.
Save the DE for the Witch Doctors.

 

[HH.Wench]

I just remembered I have a bag of Peat Moss lying around. A lot dustier and dryer than the soil here - is it safe for chickens?

In the past I was on high and dry open land, so they just free ranged 8 acres with lots of dry spots.

 

[HH.Wench]

DE can cause respiratory issues when inhaled with irreversible effects. It is like shards of glass under a microscope.
COVERED FROM WEATHER ELEMENTS-Natural dusty sand... Mixed with wood ash if available.
Save the DE for the Witch Doctors.

Yes, it looks a lot like asbestos under a microscope. That was my reservation about mixing it. I thought maybe if it bound up with the carrier dirt well enough it would be inhaled.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I just remembered I have a bag of Peat Moss lying around. A lot dustier and dryer than the soil here - is it safe for chickens

Peat moss is fine, it's what I use. It does tend to hold on to moisture so if possible you'd want to keep it covered if it's raining (since you already mentioned dampness and humidity being an issue). Other substances you can try/mix in would be sand, wood ash, plain soil (if you're buying from a home store make sure there's nothing added like fertilizer, perlite, etc).

 

[HH.Wench]

Peat moss is fine, it's what I use. It does tend to hold on to moisture so if possible you'd want to keep it covered if it's raining (since you already mentioned dampness and humidity being an issue). Other substances you can try/mix in would be sand, wood ash, plain soil (if you're buying from a home store make sure there's nothing added like fertilizer, perlite, etc).

Thanks, I will check it for additives tomorrow and mix it with some wood ash from the fire pit. Great idea.

 

[aart]

I bought this whole flock as adults from a breeder and they seem a little ragged and itchy.

Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

If you do find bugs, don't screw around with DE or herbs,
get some permethrin dust or spray and treat them pronto...
....then treat again in 7-10 days.

 

[HH.Wench]

Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

If you do find bugs, don't screw around with DE or herbs,
get some permethrin dust or spray and treat them pronto...
....then treat again in 7-10 days.

Thanks aart,

I will research pics and do that this weekend. I assume TSC Tractor sells the dust in the poultry section?

 

[aart]

I assume TSC Tractor sells the dust in the poultry section?

They will have dust and spray, not exactly sure where it will be located, best to ask.