★★★★★
When I first noticed that my pet chickens had mites, I went to a farm store and asked what they recommended. They tried to sell me some product that I knew to be toxic. I was told that's what all the farmers used for their chickens. I asked about diatomaceous earth and they said it wouldn't work. I decided to try diatomaceous earth anyway and it worked. I just sprinkled it in the chicken house and never had problems again.
I also use it in my garden when my plants get attacked by bugs.
Diatomaceous Earth
★★★★★
Sharik, thank you for the suggestion! I used D.E. sprinkled on the worst cases and filled their dust baths for the rest. The lice disappeared ASAP and haven't had a reoccurrence since.
Sincerely, Farm Mama
Diatomaceous Earth
★★★★★
In response to:
Posted by Farm Mama (Mount Dora, Fl, Usa) on 10/19/2009
My chickens have lice. They are free range, fed organic soy free layer feed, organic cracked corn, and various kitchen scraps 95% organic. Any suggestions? Thanks to all who give advice on earth clinic. It is a life saver!
You might sprinkle their "dust baths" with DE (diatomaceous earth). It dessicates the tiny little livestock by cracking their carapaces and drying them out. Make sure you get food grade DE and this should do the trick. Diatoms are tiny sea creatures that have been around for many millions of years (and still are) and are totally natural, but if you have asthma or related problems, I suggest using a mask while integrating the DE with the dirt.
