we already killed our meat chicken but we used shavings and did the deep litter.We did use diatomaceous? earth which is used in some pool fiters or at the garden store.For my egg layers I sprinkle monthly seven dust where they dust and in their coop.It is farly safe even for areas your dog lays.Is your chicken have lice you wouold be able to tell by picking them up by thier legs upside down and looking by the vent ,you would see tiny moving things and they would be on your hands.It is easy to get rid of if treat and clean.Also the hot water you dip them in to pull feathers should kill anything on them or the torch to burn off pin feather will kill them.
Thanks for everyones help. I did the deed and they were large birds 6-8lb, very heavy. The worst part was the removing of the feathers. The smell was awful, even after I showered I could still smell the feathers. I think it was in my head because I could smell it everywhere I went. I am glad its over and things are less smell.
Quote:shaveudogg, You DON'T want to use the type of Diatomacous Earth (aka DE) used in pool filters around/or on any animals and the garden center DE's are just as "iffy" as they usually contain some type of insecticide, Safer's brand DE (we bought from a garden center) for an example, it has added "bait/poison" to attract insects. Please, only use Food Grade DE. Dawn Dawn