Smudge Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 Having had our girls for about a month and a half now, and dipping into these forums from time to time since we've had them, I'm beginning to realise there are quite a lot of potential horrors that we could face such as red mite. So far they're happy and healthy with no problems, but I thought I should be proactive in doing what I can to keep it that way. So I bought a puffer pack of Diatom the other day after hearing such good things about what it can do, but it didn't come with any sort of instructions on how to use it, or how much to use! I've given the Go a dust round with it, particularly around the nesting box, but I was worried about overdoing it. Could too much cause any health problems for the girls, and should I actually try and dust the girls themselves with it as well for lice control? I understand it can also be useful internally against worms, but again with no instructions I'm concerned about how to administer it, how often and how much to use. Any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 Just be careful not to breathe it, otherwise it's non-toxic. It's a deterrent rather than a proven killer of bugs though, so regular dismantling and inspection of your GO! A rough dollop mixed into the feed is supposed to increase the uptake of nutrients. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 Some people swear by it, others say it doesn't work, I'm not sure why there is such a big difference of opinion. It isn't toxic as such, but it can be harmful if inhaled as it has an abraxive action - to you and to your chickens. That's the only reason I stopped using it as I already have asthma. I certainly didn't have a red mite problem while I was using it. The same abrasive action is supposed to dessicate red mite etc, causing them to die. That same action is why it's promoted as a wormer too. So, my advice would be to carefully puff it around the house while not breathing it in and not going overboard with it! I didn't ever use it for worming, so I can't advise on that one, sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the bradley bunch Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 there was another thread started about this very recently, it should give you all the advice you need (linked below): Diatomaceous Earth - 100g how to use Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the bradley bunch Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=67133 sorry previous link attempt doesn't seem to work i've checked and the link above should take you to the thread... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickyhazel Posted August 12, 2010 Share Posted August 12, 2010 If you clean your GO thoroughly every week you shouldn't have aproblem with red mite - we never have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
