diatomaceous earth…Yay or Nay?

[DWilkins]

Have read mixed reviews on using this with dust baths,in roosting boxes and also dusting the birds themselves. I was surprised this can also be used for human consumption. I have delt with scaly legs in the past and wondered if this would be something to use versus a poultry dust.Through the winter I have been using Mite be gone. Keeps the coop smelling good and seems to keep the mites away. Would DE be something recommended to use in addition to their dust baths? It appears that DE is more natural then other pest control products.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Have read mixed reviews on using this with dust baths,in roosting boxes and also dusting the birds themselves. I was surprised this can also be used for human consumption. I have delt with scaly legs in the past and wondered if this would be something to use versus a poultry dust.Through the winter I have been using Mite be gone. Keeps the coop smelling good and seems to keep the mites away. Would DE be something recommended to use in addition to their dust baths? It appears that DE is more natural then other pest control products.

Highly not recommended, it's harmful to the lungs when inhaled, & it does nothing for lice/mites/internal parasites.

 

[DWilkins]

Oops..What would you recommend instead.

 

[MysteryChicken]

What about external parasites?

Permethrin for external parasites.

 

[Isadora]

Definitely nay.
I attempted to use it in the past for parasites, long before I ever even knew this forum was a thing. And it did absolutely nothing. And I'm talking about significant long term use, several months. Between the fact that even if it does work, it's pretty slow to work, there's also the danger of it causing lung damage.

 

[DWilkins]

Highly not recommended, it's harmful to the lungs when inhaled, & it does nothing for lice/mites/internal parasites.

What you recommend instead?

 

[DWilkins]

What you recommend instead?

What about external parasites?

 

[DWilkins]

I have used Poultry dust in the past . Was just curious if DE was a better alternative. Thank you for your response.

 

[MysteryChicken]

What you recommend instead?

Permethrin Dust, or Spray.

Names like Garden, & Poultry Dust, or Pen, & Poultry Spray, are what I use.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I have used Poultry dust in the past . Was just curious if DE was a better alternative. Thank you for your response.

It's okay.

You're welcome.