Prevents pests?

[ChickenGirl555]

Whenever I clean the coop and replace the shavings, I put Diatomaceous Earth in with the fresh shavings. People always say “You’ll get mites or lice once in your life” but then my friend said she has never had lice or mites and she’s had chickens for over 5 years. She uses some type of electrolyte or probiotic in their water, but would Diatomaceous earth work to prevent and kill lice and mites?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I personally would not rely on DE. It is harmful to breathe for the chickens.

Studies are not consistent to show that it really does much good...the whole idea of microscopically cutting up the insects. A number on BYC have had piles of mites stomping through DE.

There is nothing you can add in their water that will affect mites/lice unless you do oral Ivermectin.

The best thing is permethrin or pyrethrin (natural) powder regularly dusted or sprinkled. A real good treatment is the spray at night on roost and birds.

But DE is pretty ineffective and definitely harmful.

My opinion.
LofMc

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Thank you, @Lady of McCamley. But, will the DE still prevent other pests that just try to eat and live in their droppings?

 

[lazy gardener]

If doing a DL, you WANT insects and worms eating the droppings. Insects that feast on droppings will not be a species that will feast on your birds. DE won't hurt if you sprinkle it under the litter, but I doubt that it will do much to help, either. When I do a major coop clean out (I do use DL), I sprinkle some permethrin around the perimeter of the coop where walls meet floor, and also dust the perches, especially where they meet the walls, getting it down into the cracks.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

If doing a DL, you WANT insects and worms eating the droppings. Insects that feast on droppings will not be a species that will feast on your birds. DE won't hurt if you sprinkle it under the litter, but I doubt that it will do much to help, either. When I do a major coop clean out (I do use DL), I sprinkle some permethrin around the perimeter of the coop where walls meet floor, and also dust the perches, especially where they meet the walls, getting it down into the cracks.

I think I’m going to stop using DE, sounds like it’s doing more harm than good. Luckily I’ve only ever bought the same, one bag I have now! Thanks for the help!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I am not a fan of DE as I believe it does do more harm than good. Also, I suffer from mild asthma, and simply don't want that stuff around me let alone my birds whose lungs are sensitive, per advice from my Vet Tech daughter who did the original research for me.

The only bug you don't want in the droppings is the Darkling Beetle (mealworm adult) as it can harbor disease for birds.

Good news, the pyrethrin (natural) or permethrin dusts will help control that, as well as keeping your coops clean.

http://articles.extension.org/pages/71090/darkling-beetle-control-on-organic-poultry-farms