Diatomaceous Earth

[JakeCpuNut]

I'm a little confused over using Diatomaceous Earth in the run to keep down bugs. Aren't eating bugs a good thing for the chicks/chickens?

I am sprinkling sweet pdz in the coop and on the run shavings..

I have permethrin on hand that i use on my cloths for hiking.. would that be of more benefit for lice etc?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
DE isn't good for anyone to inhale, and just isn't worth using out there. Permethrin, if you are in the USA, is safe and effective for treating mites or lice, but don't put it out there unless you have a problem!
Wild songbirds are the source of mites or lice in my flock, and I check every week or two, and treat if any turn up.
Mary

 

[JakeCpuNut]

Welcome!
DE isn't good for anyone to inhale, and just isn't worth using out there. Permethrin, if you are in the USA, is safe and effective for treating mites or lice, but don't put it out there unless you have a problem!
Wild songbirds are the source of mites or lice in my flock, and I check every week or two, and treat if any turn up.
Mary

makes sense! Thank you for your advice!

 

[tralfaz]

Welcome!
DE isn't good for anyone to inhale, and just isn't worth using out there. Permethrin, if you are in the USA, is safe and effective for treating mites or lice, but don't put it out there unless you have a problem!
Wild songbirds are the source of mites or lice in my flock, and I check every week or two, and treat if any turn up.
Mary

Mary, how are you checking for mites and lice?

 

[Folly's place]

At night, when they are roosting, go out with a small bright flashlight or head lamp, and look at the skin around their vents, under wings, and neck and upper back. Mites are very tiny, but move. I look at maybe six of my 30+ birds, and finding any with any mites or lice is enough to plan to treat. Usually my roosters are more likely to have more mites, (more social interactions?), and some birds may appear bug free, while others can be a horrible mess.
Years ago I had three nice hens die one winter, and only with the third, did I figure out why. Miserable!
Mary