Dirt, DE, Lice & Chicks

[cmitchell]

I have 2 wk old Easter Egger chicks from TSC and I noticed today that they have lice on them. What can I use to get rid of them at their age? Is it ok to screen some of my yard dirt & mix it with food grade DE (I know that won't kill the lice but use it as a preventative) for the chicks to dust bath in?

 

[wren]

I'm sorry but DE is not going to do the trick with lice. Use something made to kill lice.

 

[wannabchick]

Quote:
Yes u can mix dirt and your de for a dust bath
But u may want to get some ivermectin and place on the back of their upper shoulder..then clean out the brooder really good..and spry the brooder ..with lice killer too
Prymethicyn..however that word os spelled
Xoxo

 

[cmitchell]

I have Sevin and also livestock powder. Is it ok to use either on 1 1/2 wk old chicks?
For the chicks, should I screen my yard dirt or is it ok to just pick out the larger rocks/pebbles?
What would the ratio be for dirt to food grade DE?

Thank you in advance for any comments!

 

[Tressa27884]

Quote:
Sorry a bit off topic - but where can I get food grade DE?

 

[cmitchell]

I got food grade DE at my local Farmer's Union Feed Store.

 

[Trunkster]

What is DE and what is it used for? New this year, 12- 4 wk. old chicks (hens)
Quote:

 

[CluckCluck18]

You may want to try the DE and dirt for starters. I'm trying to keep my chickens organic as much as possible and I had good luck getting rid of lice with just that stuff. I mix some DE with flax seed into the feed every few weeks and it helps with worms, too. You can get it on line and it's called Worm Guard. There's also some organic stuff called Verm-Ex that's good. It used to only be sold in the UK but they sell here now and have a web site. Good luck...it can be a real challenge!

 

[Judy]

If you don't already have DE, I'd just add a little poultry dust to the dirt instead. It's commonly available at feed stores, usually permethrin and/or pyrethrins. Much cheaper.

If you do buy DE, use a small amount, just a sprinkle, in the dust bath as you don't want the chickens breathing it. And wear a mask when handling DE. Some people can find DE locally but many have to order it online.

 

[Dingo]

Quote:

DE is Diatomaceous Earth. It's the remains of diatoms. The idea is that it clings to small organisms and causes them to dehydrate.