Hello from New England! We're doing this chicken thing!

[Boppo]

So, you guys voting against Diotomaceous Earth would not even want to mix it into a dirt bath box with sand and regular dirt??

 

[DobieLover]

So, you guys voting against Diotomaceous Earth would not even want to mix it into a dirt bath box with sand and regular dirt??

Correct.
I've mixed a small amount into the bird seed I use for scratch to prevent insect infestation and that's it.

 

[MaddChickens]

Do you think the environment/season is a factor in what DE will do to your birds? Cause I used a container in the New England summer when my EE's had severe muff-mites, and none of my birds had an issue.

But to add to some other people's posts, I'd say only use DE if it's absolutely necessary, such as mites/lice that are severely infesting a certain bird or area. Although, this is only my second year with keeping chickens, so don't consider my opinion as 100% valid.

Hope everything goes well with your chooks!

 

[DobieLover]

But to add to some other people's posts, I'd say only use DE if it's absolutely necessary, such as mites/lice that are severely infesting a certain bird or area.

If you have a severe infestation that last thing you should reach for is DE.
The best would be Elector PSP but it's VERY expensive.
The second best is permethrin, spray for the coop and birds or dust for the birds if the weather is cold.

 

[MaddChickens]

If you have a severe infestation that last thing you should reach for is DE.
The best would be Elector PSP but it's VERY expensive.
The second best is permethrin, spray for the coop and birds or dust for the birds if the weather is cold

Yeah, your right. I am new to keeping chooks, so I'm not as well informed as others. Thank you for the advice though!

 

[janiedoe]

Yeah, your right. I am new to keeping chooks, so I'm not as well informed as others. Thank you for the advice though!

Hey, no apology necessary. We are all here to learn.

 

[cmom]

Belated Good luck and have fun...