SEVIN DUST for mites

[BobDBirdDog]

I have been thinking of adding seven to a sand box "if I ever get a sandbox" and just let the bird dust itself. Anyone ever try that?

 

[dawg53]

I have been thinking of adding seven to a sand box "if I ever get a sandbox" and just let the bird dust itself. Anyone ever try that?

Turtle sandbox from Walmart. Now that my BR's are adult hens, I need a small pool for them!

 

[Mother-Rhodes]

We put a couple of table spoons of Sevin in their sand box today.

 

[luvmichx]

I have been thinking of adding seven to a sand box "if I ever get a sandbox" and just let the bird dust itself. Anyone ever try that?

I wouldn't use chemicals on my birds. Go to Home Depot and purchase a bag of diatomaceous earth (DE) and use that instead. Just a suggestion....

 

[welasharon]

I used the DE...and it didn't do a thing. I am all for doing things non-chemically but my birds were miserable.

 

[chickisoup]

Quote: I was not aware that Home Depot sells FOOD GRADE DE, I would assume they only sell LANDSCAPE GRADE which is NOT safe!!! Food grade is usually purchased from feed mills, farm stores, etc. as it is used in animal feed and dairy and horse barns.

FOOD GRADE DE has great uses for poultry, like it is loaded with minerals, that's why it is in cattle feed, however, treating an infestation is NOT one of them, sorry. It is great for using in nestboxes etc. to help prevent an outbreak, especially of red mites, but will not help for birds already infested, especially with lice. Oh, and it is totally (proven by university testing) ineffective for internal parasites.

IT IS A GREAT PRE-EMPTIVE STEP BUT IS NOT A CURE.

 

[cafarmgirl]

It can be hard enough to get rid of mites even using Sevin or other chemicals, DE will do nothing to clear up an infestation and the birds will continue to suffer for it. Sometimes you just have to use something effective and take care of the problem.

 

[luvmichx]

I was not aware that Home Depot sells FOOD GRADE DE, I would assume they only sell LANDSCAPE GRADE which is NOT safe!!! Food grade is usually purchased from feed mills, farm stores, etc. as it is used in animal feed and dairy and horse barns.

FOOD GRADE DE has great uses for poultry, like it is loaded with minerals, that's why it is in cattle feed, however, treating an infestation is NOT one of them, sorry. It is great for using in nestboxes etc. to help prevent an outbreak, especially of red mites, but will not help for birds already infested, especially with lice. Oh, and it is totally (proven by university testing) ineffective for internal parasites.

IT IS A GREAT PRE-EMPTIVE STEP BUT IS NOT A CURE.

Thanks for the info. I am relatively new to this and have been getting my info by reading on this site. I did not know you needed FOOD GRADE DE good to know. I guess being in the medical field I have been in the preventative medicine mode for many years and therefore take care of my chickens like they are my kids. Also, when I responded to the post I thought the person was wanting something preventative. My bad.

 

[chickisoup]

Quote:

I am definitely pro preventive as well and natural whenever possible. Being in the medical field you know all too well, natural is best, but in some cases, unfortunately, just doesn't always get the job done no matter what some folks would like you to believe (whether it be for animals or humans). Boy, how we both wish it were, huh?

 

[Jaydawnlove]

I went to the feed store yesterday to ask about mite cures. They tried to sell me DE. I have tried that and nothing. He said mites were just like fleas and you would need to treat every 10 days for a month. He also said to completely clean out the coop with bleach let it dry and then cover the coop and run in DE. Its not effective after its been wet, so if it rains add more once its dry in your run. Add DE in your dust bath. I have done this! But just nooded my head. I then went to Walmart for Sevin 5. The girls and the coop and the run got a light powdering of it. Guess what, not one mite found today.. I will retreat at day 10 and watch health closer to make sure I didn't kill my girls with this harsh chemical. I'm hoping I did the right thing but maybe I'm just over thinking this just like everything else.