Diatomaceous Earth for chicks?

[Ac7941]

Just wondering if it’s safe or common practice to use diatemaceous earth for chicks?

I use it for my full grown hens’ coop to prevent unwanted critters, and as I’m preparing to brood some chicks for the first time in the next month or so, was wondering if this is safe for chicks too - or would it hurt their respiratory tracts?

Thanks in advance for any tips and feedback!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

was wondering if this is safe for chicks too - or would it hurt their respiratory tracts?

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

To me it isn't even safe for you or your adult chickens. In MY location, humidity alone renders it ineffective. Consider using a permethrin or pyrethrin spritz if parasites do appear. I have used on broody's and chicks alike.. plus dogs, pigs, goats. Not cats. Works for fleas, mosquitoes, lice, mites and many other things very effectively when used according to directions. Permethrin is the synthetic form of Pyrethrin which is an extract from chrysanthemum flowers.

I consider DE to be an overrated, overused, false sense of security. And yes, I'm a tad passionate about it. It's not welcome at my house. And folks who have HAD terrible experiences causing major respiratory issues for chicks had to learn the hard way. Others who haven't had issues YET... may not feel the same way yet.

Check out this link for one example of why I dislike DE...
https://the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/
Also FWIW, many folks use "prevention" items and presume it works... In fact you cannot treat what you don't have. Just for informational purposes.

You may get different answers. We all have reasons we do or believe what we do.

Best wishes with your next chick brood!

 

[CatWhisperer]

EggSighted4Life said it all. Welcome to BYC and don’t waste your money or harm your chickens with DE.

 

[Ac7941]

This is great information - thank you for sharing! I had been using DE bc that’s what was recommended to me from a local chicken owner.

Where can I find more info or purchase pyrethrum or permethrin? Is it effective on just tiny critters like kites and fleas, or does it deter larger things like beetles, roaches, etc?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

This is great information - thank you for sharing! I had been using DE bc that’s what was recommended to me from a local chicken owner.

Where can I find more info or purchase pyrethrum or permethrin? Is it effective on just tiny critters like kites and fleas, or does it deter larger things like beetles, roaches, etc?

Deter, NO it isn't a repellent according to my understanding... Kill when they come, yes.

It's effective against many things including beetles and termites even... Sold under many brand names and ready to use or concentrated... in the equine section at most feed stores and TSC. This 32 oz bottle costed under $8 and lasted my 2 large goats, 3 medium dogs, and 82+ birds more than 2 years including spraying lay boxes, roost, coop floor, etc. If cold weather is a concern... they do make them in powder form. I don't prefer powder for the same reason I dislike DE... but also it's harder to apply correctly.

When we first get started we are told a LOT of things that may or may not be accurate. Things have come a long way over the years. Thankfully you have found this wonderful community where you will get lots of accurate and some inaccurate information. Always use YOUR best judgement... and don't worry about what you DID... you can't change the past. We all do our best and when we learn something new we might switch it up. We do all have different set ups, weather, and thought processes and that's okay! Oh, and if something doesn't make sense to you... even if said by a veterinarian... Ask questions and do your own research... they are just as human as us and can make mistakes. It's okay and even a good idea to get 2nd and 3rd opinions... ESPECIALLY on anything told you by a feed store employee. Even well meaning people have given terrible advice.

One of my best friends locally... her husband uses DE... and their birds were infested but they were clueless until I picked up one of their birds and SHOWED them. They had to add in permethrin but HE still insist on using the DE.

Best piece of advice though is don't use it if you don't SEE the need, as overuse causes resistance. But used according to directions and only as needed... remains very effective.

When you do treat the birds... doing so after dark on roost can prevent any chasing if you keep it dark and use a flashlight or headlamp... just a SMALL spritz, make sure feathers are parted down to the skin.. just below the vent, under each wing pit, and to the nape of neck where the back of the head meets it.

The two things I know the permethrin is consider ineffective against is scaly leg mites and depluming mites as those are systemic not surface feeders.

I recently added cats to my crew and have not yet researched why permethrin is not recommended for use in them.

But for birds it requires no withdrawal time for eggs. When treating chicks or near the eyes like stick tight fleas... soaking and using a cotton ball gives more control for safe application.

No adverse reaction experienced by any of my pets or family so far, despite often wearing a little myself during application.

 

[Folly's place]

Cats are sensitive to this drug at amounts that are harmless for us, dogs, and chickens. I use permethrin spray concentrate, or the dust, and never DE.
Keep your cats out of the coop until any spray is dry, then it's okay.
And don't treat what's not there! Chicks in a brooder aren't likely to have mites or lice, so don't use it for them.
Mary