Is a dust bath necessary if you have a deep litter coop?

[Fishkeeper]

I really wouldn't be using that in a dust bath! Overuse of pesticides is how we get pesticide-resistant pests. If you just mix it into the dust bath, there's no way to be sure they're getting enough of a dose to actually kill off the mites, which means you might just be making the mites more durable against poisoning. If so, you'll get a mite infestation eventually, and permethrin won't work on them.
Plus, that's supposed to be used as a temporary treatment. I really don't think it's supposed to be used long-term.

 

[Chickie pants]

Sorry, what is de

 

[gtaus]

Sorry, what is de

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth /ˌdaɪ.ətəˌmeɪʃəs ˈɜːrθ/, also known as D.E., diatomite, or kieselgur/kieselguhr, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 3 micrometres to more than 1 millimetre, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres.

More to the point for management of chickens, some people recommend using DE in a dust bath to help control/rid chickens of parasites. Others on BYC forums strongly oppose the use of DE as it can be a respiratory irritant.

 

[gtaus]

Referred locally as "Poultry dust" it is a powdered mix containing the insecticide permethrin at .25% with 99.75% inert ingredients.
Can be used on dogs for fleas and ticks, in the garden for bugs and on livestock for flies.

I have never seen that in our local farm store, but then again, I have never asked about it either. I will have to check it out. I don't know about the permethrin at this small percentage, but is it meant to treat active parasite infestations or is it used as a preventative? I would not want to over medicate my chicks as they don't have parasite overload as one person corrected me. Thank you.

 

[gtaus]

I really wouldn't be using that in a dust bath! Overuse of pesticides is how we get pesticide-resistant pests. If you just mix it into the dust bath, there's no way to be sure they're getting enough of a dose to actually kill off the mites, which means you might just be making the mites more durable against poisoning. If so, you'll get a mite infestation eventually, and permethrin won't work on them.
Plus, that's supposed to be used as a temporary treatment. I really don't think it's supposed to be used long-term.

Good points. The only articles I have read about permethrin is to treat active parasitic problems, and like you said, it was meant to be used as a treatment, not a preventative. But I don't know anything about that Poultry Dust which is why I asked. Also, I was surprised to hear so many strong opinions against DE, so I'm considering lots of new information on this issue.

 

[aart]

neem oil

This was likely more effective at killing mites than the DE.

But yes, I'm sure they would make their own dust baths if left to free range.

Just wait, they'll dig some holes.
You could help them get started by turning over one shovelful of sod.

 

[Rick&chickTampa]

I've seen this mentioned on here before but never saw an answer. I live in a city neighborhood in Florida and I don't really have wood ash in quantity. I do enjoy smoking meats and bbq. I have the ashes from the smoker that I dump into a covered garbage can. There is some charcoal ash in there as well as the wood ash. Can I use that for a dust bath?

 

[jolenesdad]

I have not had time to read the entire thread, and I’m sorry. I periodically keep my chickens fully enclosed and I used to let them dust bathe in the deep litter onoy, but it’s kind of gross. I handle my chickens a lot.

I can’t keep them OUT of the deep litter but a proper dust bathing space does encourage them to spend less time in the poop.

Also, I don’t believe DE is necessary if you have the sand/dirt/ash/etc.

 

[gtaus]

There is some charcoal ash in there as well as the wood ash. Can I use that for a dust bath?

I don't know. Until recently, I did not know about wood ash being good for the dust bath. I'm just learning, but maybe someone else will answer.

 

[gtaus]

Also, I don’t believe DE is necessary if you have the sand/dirt/ash/etc.

Thanks. That's what I plan on trying for now.