Mite prevention

[Maloryannbrown]

so I am wanting a mite prevention for the coop and EVERYONE has recommended diatomateous earth but I don’t want to use it!
What does everyone else use and where can I buy it?
Also opinions on nesting herb blends?

 

[staceyj]

Keeping a clean coop to begin with helps a lot, followed by frequent observation and inspection of your birds then treating immediately and thoroughly with appropriate products if parasites are found.

I’m not here to have tomatoes thrown at me but I personally have found that DE doesn’t work.

 

[Erba]

I'm using Calcium hydroxide (traditionally called slaked lime) its antiseptic, anti fungal, and has done the job for centuries. It basically disinfects and protects your coop, barn, stops mold and is cheaper than paint. You can mix it yourself or buy it ready to use, like I did. When wet it is caustic, so wear protection. If your coop is made of wood or porous, you'll need to use a silicate primer to seal the area before applying it. Doing this is actually the original Fresco-technique, so you can color it if you want.

 

[aart]

Also opinions on nesting herb blends?

Might smell nice...that's about all it will do.
Strong aromatics may irritate birds sensitive respiratory systems.

Keeping a clean coop to begin with helps a lot, followed by frequent observation and inspection of your birds then treating immediately and thoroughly with appropriate products if parasites are found.

I’m not here to have tomatoes thrown at me but I personally have found that DE doesn’t work.

Ditto Dat^^^


Using even appropriate products as a preventative can create a resistance,
and then might not work if you really need it.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

A clean coop is a healthy coop but as we all know mites are a pesky problem. I have found that DE works best when dusted directly onto them. I also use wood ash mixed with dirt/ sand/DE for dust bathing. Once a week I soak my flocks legs in olive oil or rub Vaseline on them as a preventative.... around here on the farm we call that spa day