What should I dust my chickens with?

[mum mummy]

I understand I can dust my chickens with sevin dust, but is all sevin dust the same? I have some, but it says its for gardens. Can I use it in the coop and on the chickens?

 

[ArizonaNessa]

You can use Sevin 5% dust or at the feed store you can find a blue and white can called Garden and Poultry Dust. Here is what it looks like http://www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=2&pf_id=16252 You should be able to get it at any feedstore and if not they can and should be willing to order it for you.

 

[Bantimna]

You could also use DE or sand.

ETA: Welcome from South Africa

 

[Mellykins]

I don't have chickens yet but I use DE in my yard with my dogs for ticks especially and it is very safe and all natural. I rub it right on my dogs with no problems and I don't have to worry about it hurting my kiddos. Great stuff just be sure NOT to get the DE for pools, it is very toxic, get the stuff for food and gardens. You can usually find it at flower nurseries.

 

[ArizonaNessa]

I also use DE all the time, love the stuff, use it for everything, but just remember that it is a preventative and will not do much to a current infestation.

 

[literary_chick10]

What is DE?

 

[ArizonaNessa]

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

It is completely safe to use around all animals and people. Basically it works on the hard shell of insects kinda like shredded glass. It causes the insect to dry up and die. The reason why it won't be very effective on current infestations is because it takes time to work unlike things like Sevin dust and poultry powders. It does however serve as an awesome preventative as well as a drying agent in your bedding. Some put it in the food as well citing that it works for internal parasites but my personal opinion on that one is still out.

The pool grade diatomaceous earth has a higher silica content thus it is not recommended to be used for the above mentioned things.

Food grade diatomaceous earth can be bought at most feed stores, plant nurseries, as well as online (which costs a ton in shipping)

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Except neither you nor your chickens should be inhaling it. It wouldn't be fun to get it in the eye, either.