Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Permaculture Tips: Diatomaceous Earth and Chicken Parasites

The Red Chicken Mite

If you keep chickens, then you know about keeping a dust box or dust pile available for them.  Chickens coat themselves with fine dust to help rid their bodies of exoparasites (i.e. external parasites: lice, mites, etc.)  The dust creates an inhospitable environment for these pests.

If you add a handful of diatomaceous earth to the dust box every once in a while, it will make the dust significantly more effective.  (You can read more about diatomaceous earth in my previous post.)

This is a very easy technique that keeps your chickens more healthy and more happy.

Happy chickens taking turns in the dust!

Permaculture Tip is an idea that is derived from observing and interacting with nature.  It is simple.  It is safe.  It is effective.  It helps build a sustainable system of agriculture.  If you have any Permaculture Tips you would like to share, please let me know.  I will post it here, give you the credit, and post a link to your blog or website if you have one.  Email me here: kitsteiner@hotmail.com

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