I moved 17 chicks out to the coop a couple weeks ago. They were raised indoors because it was below zero F back then. They are 2 months old now and the door has been open for 4 days and they have yet to venture out. Likely, if I had raised them in the building, they would have ventured out by now.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news to explain that DE has no effect on intestinal parasites nor does it possess any qualities that affect heavy metals in the system.
If you believe that, could you cite some scientific studies to support the claim?
I applaud your passion for holistic nutrition. I'm a fan too. But to provide a healthier diet than what comes out of a bag with a guaranteed analysis tag on it would be extremely expensive and you'd need to have the ability to assay the nutrients in the resulting feed at home. That bag contains the result of over a century of nutritional research into what the needs of chickens are and in precisely the ratios they need.
https://extension2.missouri.edu/G8352[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]
I moved 17 chicks out to the coop a couple weeks ago. They were raised indoors because it was below zero F back then. They are 2 months old now and the door has been open for 4 days and they have yet to venture out. Likely, if I had raised them in the building, they would have ventured out by now.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news to explain that DE has no effect on intestinal parasites nor does it possess any qualities that affect heavy metals in the system.
If you believe that, could you cite some scientific studies to support the claim?
I applaud your passion for holistic nutrition. I'm a fan too. But to provide a healthier diet than what comes out of a bag with a guaranteed analysis tag on it would be extremely expensive and you'd need to have the ability to assay the nutrients in the resulting feed at home. That bag contains the result of over a century of nutritional research into what the needs of chickens are and in precisely the ratios they need.
https://extension2.missouri.edu/G8352[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]
DE works quite well for us, for many years. Oregon is the land of year round fleas and therefore tapeworm.
DE is fantastic at getting rid of tapeworm and keeping it away.
Permaculture practices take living back to before prefab foods. I understand buying prefab food, I love pizza too. But check out abundantpermaculture.com How to feed your chickens without grain.
Also on his you tube is an interview with how a farmer raises 600 birds on no purchased food. Check it out. Is very cool way to curb costs and still have awesomely heathly animals. Check out Joel Salatin, or Geoff Lawton for awesome learning.
'Cooking' for your pets is the same as cooking for your family. Instead of buying food in a box or bag, you grow it yourself or buy whole foods and dyi. Its healthier and more diverse.
I'm fortunate to be able to spend a fair share of kitchen time to do this. If I had to work 40 hrs a wk I wouldnt be able to do this stuff by myself.
Over 12 years practicing natural health/nutrition has enabled me to set up my lifestyle this way. SO much cheaper (and healthier) way to live. Easier on the enviroment too.
In the end either way will get you a happy birdy
