unbaked, when you dust the chickens, they are going to inhale a little. I have a small plastic tote, and I pour the powder in it. Then I grab a chicken, stand it in the tub, and scoop the powder, starting at the feet, and working up. All my birds are pretty good, with the exception of 2 hens. They do fine, until I start dusting around their wing area. Of course, they have to flap their wing(s), which creates a little dust cloud. It's confined to a small area. I simply turn my head away from the dust, regain control quickly, and finish. Yes, there will be a little dust cloud when you release them, and they flap, and shake the excess powder off. I usually do mine 2 - 3 times a year, and mine usually live for many years, without any respiratory issues, and without any ongoing mite problems.