When is it to early to use DE?

[Pioneertown mama]

Hi, my 6 little White Leghorns were born on the 11th of June, or at least thats what I was told. Yet they all seemed older from the start. Any way, when is it to early to make a DE dusting bath for them? They have been outside for about a week now because our night time temps are 70 some degrees or so. Anyway they are doing great and I just wanted to know if it's ok to make them a DE dusting bath now. Also they don't seem to be to friendly, they are very skittish when I go sit with them. The only interaction I get from them is that they will eat crushed up meal worms from my hand but I only give it to them once a day. Is there any other treats I could give them at this age? Any advice would be very appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

DE is a respiratory irritant. I personally would never use it. They will dust bath in nearly anything when young. Gravel, sand, dirt, to name a few.

Most younger chicks are skiddish. They will get more confident as they mature, so keep up the gentle handling, and interactions.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I also will not use DE.
There is no proven effectiveness in controlling mites or lice on poultry.

Not only is it a lung irritant it is easily blown about and harmful to the bee populations.

My birds always warm up to humans over time and once they start laying.

 

[Coops Dad]

White leghorns are among the most skittish and nervous of all the chickens I've ever had. Even raised from day old chicks with heavy interaction, they have been the least comfortable with us. Ours will reluctantly peck feed out of my hand but only out of jealousy of our other hens doing it.

 

[Mamatomany123]

If the chicken is still alive then it's too early.

 

[Vickischics]

Hi, my 6 little White Leghorns were born on the 11th of June, or at least thats what I was told. Yet they all seemed older from the start. Any way, when is it to early to make a DE dusting bath for them? They have been outside for about a week now because our night time temps are 70 some degrees or so. Anyway they are doing great and I just wanted to know if it's ok to make them a DE dusting bath now. Also they don't seem to be to friendly, they are very skittish when I go sit with them. The only interaction I get from them is that they will eat crushed up meal worms from my hand but I only give it to them once a day. Is there any other treats I could give them at this age? Any advice would be very appreciated.

I like to use construction sand for my lil ones once I see them trying to "dust bathe" in the shavings. I put it in a large dish and watch them flinging the sand while making a mess. Lol. Too stinkin cute! I don't know how others feel about chicks dusting in construction sand but, that's what I've used without incident.
I do not use "play" sand because of the quartz in it and it's too fine and too dusty for their lil lungs.
Enjoy!

 

[Vickischics]

I like to use construction sand for my lil ones once I see them trying to "dust bathe" in the shavings. I put it in a large dish and watch them flinging the sand while making a mess. Lol. Too stinkin cute! I don't know how others feel about chicks dusting in construction sand but, that's what I've used without incident.
I do not use "play" sand because of the quartz in it and it's too fine and too dusty for their lil lungs.
Enjoy!

Lil babies need heat if night temps are only in the 70's. Wean the heat source once the start to feather out.
If their piling up and chirping a lot, they are cold!