Sevin dust

[strizzo9]

Hi, new to chickens and new to BYC, though i have been reading the info here for several weeks now! I signed up just to respond to this thread and hopefully add to the debate. I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night! I do however work with Diatomaceous Earth (DE). It is a natural product (ground fossils), but not without health risks. The MSDS says one of the potential risks associated with this is silicosis of the lungs-a scarring of the lung tissue that leads to a loss of elasticity-much like asbestos and mesothelioma. I am perplexed as to why, given the dusty nature of chicken farming, anyone would use this product in their coop. We cannot handle the product without the use of a half-face respirator! I was thinking of going the route of Sevin dust myself, but haven't made up my mind just yet.
I guess I should throw in here that we don't exactly have any chickens yet, but they are on the way! I have been planning and trying to educate myself. My two cents, and thanks!

 

[iguanasal]

Well the chickens I dusted yesterday are doing great I even had my first hatch today and don't recall seeing any red ants so I guess the sevin dust works without any ill effects thus far I will write in this forum again if any reaction occurs its been about a day and all is going great I will I note I am treating them with some tetracycline powder mixed with their water and and have them away from the rest of the flock and always wash my hands after handling any animal

 

[iguanasal]

No ants no problems the chickens been scratching around in the treated pen and still no effects seen on the birds no bugs seems all went well

 

[Bronya]

I use to use 7 Dust (on the chicken and in the bedding) and never had an issue, but after doing some research on how bad the pesticide is, i would rather not take my chances.
It says on the back that it should not be used on animals, why do you think that is?
In the long run, i do not doubt it can cause some serious issues.
If its not safe for us, i don't know why it would be ok to use on them.

Now, I use a dust specifically for poultry and it works just as good AND it is safe and made for animals.

This is just my opinion.
Like i said, i never SAW any side effects...but i also don't want to wait around till something does finally happen

what do you use?

 

[Bronya]

can some one post a link to the on line purchase of sevin dust please, and a brief description of how to use it, im worried ill buy the wrong hting and then over or under do the girls. i have DE at home already but i hear sevin is better?

 

[Gypsi]

I'll use sevin in the cracks of the coop, but dusting the birds I will use DE, and I put wood ashes in their favorite dustbathing spots.

 

[Touchstone]

Sevin dust is more toxic to mammals and especially insects than it is for birds. Apparently is is nearly non-toxic, for birds. I dusted the pen yesterday, forgot my mask, forgot long sleeves, and was nauseated for a few hours, diarrhea, and a bit sweaty. I called the number on the bag, and they were very helpful. They said inhalation is usually not too bad, but were quite concenred to find out if I had eaten any of it (i.e. wash your hands & shower before you go eat lunch). There is an antidote if symptoms were worse, but felt better after a couple hours. On the bright side, the pen looks stick-tight flea free (I also used DME in pen, and flea spray on their heads with a Q-tip). I will repeat treatment in 2 weeks and go light on or skip the Sevin dust, and wear protection.

 

[Shawneegyrl]

Hi all, did not read all the posts but found it very interesting.

I am one of those "huggers" who is trying to grow her own and be as organic as possible.

Right now I am fighting fleas, the worst I have seen in years. I know a lot of the problem is my neighbor who does not take care of her dogs.

I have used DE over the yard and coop. I dusted my dog with it and he is beside me and I can see fleas running all over him.

I was actually so desperate I am thinking of getting a bag of sevin and throwing it over the fence!

My dad worked for Union Carbide, who developed sevin and he brought pure(100%) sevin home all the time. Now the standard at most stores is 5%. I left the chemical valley when I was 16. The family and friends who remained in that area have a multitude of health problems. My parents and a brother passed in their early 60s and it is really depressing to call home and hear of all the problems the remaining siblings suffer with. I think 2/3 of my graduating class is dead, mostly cancer.

I am very paranoid about chemicals and almost as nervous about "natural" remedies. If it causes any action (good or bad) there is bound to be a reaction (good or bad).

We just have to decide does the benefit outweighs the cost. My poor dog is treated with advantix because I felt the trade off was acceptable. Now the fleas are so bad that treatment does no good anyway.

SIGH

Looking for options.

 

[Gypsi]

If you get rainfall or water use Beneficial Nematodes on the yard, and shoot it over the fence if you want. Won't hurt anything, eat fire ants and flea larva. My dogs are on Trifexis. Between that and the nematodes I don't have to treat cats for fleas. chickens don't seem to have a problem.

 

[Shawneegyrl]

If you get rainfall or water use Beneficial Nematodes on the yard, and shoot it over the fence if you want. Won't hurt anything, eat fire ants and flea larva. My dogs are on Trifexis. Between that and the nematodes I don't have to treat cats for fleas. chickens don't seem to have a problem.

Looking into that. I also have a non-beneficial nematode problem in my garden squares and was advised to get beneficial nematodes to help deal with that.

Would that be the answer to it all!