A video by the Chicken Chick on how to treat mites & lice with Elector PSP, which is available on her website. Yes! it’s available for small flocks at an affordable price. Get Elector PSP Here.
Category: Content Contributors
Never Use Diatomaceous Earth, Here’s Why
DE is Old School Practice, Today We Know Better
Using diatomaceous earth (DE) in your coop or in dust baths poses a threat to both you and your chickens, as it results in the continuous presence of dangerous irritant particles in the air. Diatomaceous earth (DE) serves no essential purpose, raises safety concerns, and proves ineffective for its claimed applications.
The primary concern with using DE is the fine dust that it creates when handled. When under a microscope, you can see that Diatomaceous Earth is fine and very sharp. Inhaling this dust is a lung and respiratory irritant, potentially leading to respiratory issues. I’m not just talking about this being a danger to your chickens, but to you as well. As you well know, there are always particles in the air when you are cleaning the coop, maybe from a windy day, or just from your birds scratching around looking for bugs. Once you lay down DE you are putting yourself and your birds at risk, even if you put shavings on top. If you’re wondering if food grade DE is safe, the answer is NO.
If you’re not concerned about lung and respiratory problems, the other issue with using DE is irritation to the skin and eyes, especially in the dry powder form.
So, if you’re going to use DE, I hope you don’t mind wearing a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear. And, if you don’t mind putting your chickens’ health at risk or wearing hazmat apparel when caring for your chickens, then go ahead and use DE… but you have been warned of the consequences.
Here’s What Another Chicken Keeper Says About DE:
The Cut & Dry Truth About Diatomaceous Earth By The Chicken Chick
Avoid Auto-Fill & Nipple Drinkers, Here’s Why
Which Drinkers Are Right For Where You Live?
In summer, the water lines are too hot, and chickens will avoid drinking from them. In winter, the lines can freeze, and water becomes unavailable. Nipple drinkers are also a poor choice, as your birds do not get enough water when hydration is crucial. Avoid any drinkers that are made of metal or have metal parts; not only do they heat up faster, but also retain heat longer.
There is no argument that auto-fill drinkers are convenient and provide an easier chore list, but do they? Maintenance is definitely an issue, as parts fail and need replacement more often than you might think. The best way to care for your chickens is to depend on yourself.
If you live in a territory where temperatures can reach triple digits, your birds need an ample source of cool water. There’s only one way to offer that necessity: large containers. The bigger, the better, because the water stays cooler in masses. Top-fill drinkers are best so you can easily replace the water with cool water or add ice on those really hot days. Run the hose long enough to get cold water, as a hose in the sun can hold very hot water, especially in triple-digit temperatures.
Here in Phoenix, Arizona, the temperature has been between 110 and 117 for over a month now. Our chickens’ water source consists of 2 six-gallon top-fill drinkers. We add a large pitcher of ice twice a day. Additionally, a large fan and mist systems cover a substantial area of the chicken yard.
On our farm we use this drinker, make sure you drill a few holes in the cover, otherwise, it forms a vacuum and restricts water flow. You’ll conveniently find this and many similar drinkers readily available on Amazon.
Undecided Which Drinker Is Best For Your Needs?
TBN Ranch Chicken Keeping Resources 