Tag: chicken

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

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A Review, Humumu Chicken Nest Box

Wall Mount $109 – Amazon
With Legs: 8/2023 $129

Do I Love It? Yes! 🙂

“I chose the 3-hole nest box with legs rather than a wall mount. The unit is available in different sizes, sturdy, and very well made. The removable plastic nest box is a grate, and this was the selling point for me. I put artificial turf in my nest boxes; however, when I have an unwanted broody hen, I’m hoping removing the turf discourages this. The box itself has great airflow, which is perfect for climates with hot summers. ” – TBN Ranch

About the Humumu 3 Hole Nest Box

HUMUMU Chicken Nesting Box is designed specifically to provide clean, comfortable, safe, and covered laying space for hens, giving them a sense of security and increasing egg production. These durable, stable, and easy-to-assemble nesting boxes can be used long-term.
One of the biggest benefits of the HUMUMU Chicken Nesting Box is its slightly tilted design, allowing eggs to roll into the tray. This protects and cleans the eggs, making them easy to collect at any time. You can effortlessly obtain more high-quality eggs. We recommend placing some bedding under the egg box cover for additional egg protection.
These Nesting Boxes are different from any other nesting box on the market. They are made using high-quality materials for durability. Hot-dip galvanized stainless steel and highly durable ABS plastic ensure a long lifespan. Unique side-hole designs increase hen airflow and breathing ability.
The removable trays are easy to clean, and any other excess can be washed away with water by removing the trays.
Each package includes all the screws and nuts needed for assembly, as well as a bonus egg collection tray that can hold up to 12 eggs. Unit can be hung and dismantled easily with the key-shaped hanging hole and installed at a height of 18-22 inches above the ground.

Assembly Directions Were Unclear, So Here’s a Helpful Video…

Humumu 3 Hole Nest Box Set Up My Coop
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Chickens, Heat Distress Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Heat distress can lead to heat stroke, this is more common in poorly ventilated or coops that are either too small or over crowded. Here are some guidelines for both treatment and prevention of heat distress in chickens. Don’t bring your chickens indoors where it’s cooler, this will make it difficult for your birds to acclimate when returned to the coop. Move them to a shaded area and follow these steps listed below.

What Are The Signs of Heat Distress?


Panting: Chickens will often pant to try to cool themselves down when they are overheated. This is a common and visible sign of heat stress.
Wings drooping: When chickens are too hot, they may spread their wings away from their bodies in an attempt to release heat.
Lethargy: Heat-stressed chickens may appear lethargic and less active than usual. They may sit or lie down more frequently.
Pale comb and wattles: The comb and wattles of a chicken may appear pale or discolored during heat stress.
Diarrhea: Heat-stressed chickens may have loose or watery droppings.

Treating Heat Distress

Provide access to cool water: Offer the affected chicken cool, (not cold) water to drink. You can add electrolytes to the water to help with rehydration. This is available at any feed store.
Spray or soak the chicken with water: Lightly spraying or gently soaking the chicken with cool/warm water can help lower its body temperature. Do not submerge the bird in cold water, this can lead to shock.
Use fans or air circulation: If possible, set up fans or improve ventilation in the coop to reduce the temperature.
Use Shade Cloth: Never use tarps where birds are housed, they inhibit ventilation.

How to Avoid Heat Distress

Avoid overcrowding: Overcrowding can lead to increased body heat generation. Provide enough space for chickens to move around comfortably.
Limit outdoor activities during peak heat: If possible, restrict the chickens’ outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and allow them to roam when the temperatures are cooler.
Mist or sprinkle water in the area: Setting up a misting system or lightly sprinkling water in the chicken’s environment can help cool the air and reduce heat stress.
Monitor weather conditions: Stay aware of weather forecasts and plan ahead for extreme heat by implementing extra measures to protect the chickens.
Time feeding schedules: Consider feeding chickens during the cooler parts of the day to avoid additional heat generated during digestion.

Prevention is key to avoiding heat stroke in chickens. Being proactive and attentive to their needs during hot weather can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related health issues.

More Information

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