[newatthis]

ok got 4 sheet on order(a friend had a large order but never used them) so i can replace and make the coop bigger.. sorted

[Sassy]

The DM you can buy off ebay and it can be sprinkled on the chicken's food to kill any intestinal parasites/worms. it is very inexpensive and much less hassle than vaseline!

I don't know what exactly the product is you buy from ebay but he perceived wisdom on this site is that there is no proof that DM works on worms. It may be ok as a preventative but not advisable to use for a cure.

[GrannieAnnie]

There is a new product on the market, Elanco Elector, we saw it at the Pig and Poultry Show.  It's supposed to be very good and you can use it while the chickens are still in the house as in battery and broiler sheds.

Bowden and knights are on e of the 3 UK distributors for this product, so this afternoon I called and spoke to Sarah Knights.  Yes, we do Elector Ann, it's £70 for a 237ml bottle      But its strong, it makes 55litres I think she said of solution!!!!

[EJCTM]

Sassy, that is what I read anyway - can't remember where. I also use VermX every now and then as a preventative too and have never had any problems with worms.
I did a web search to find out more, and found this:

"Diatomaceous Earth (DE), as it is correctly known, is a 100% natural powder for use on animals, pets and birds against external parasites (lice, fleas etc) and internal (worms), and for general good health.

It is also used for residual mite control when sprinkled inside a henhouse or on the birds, or on cat and dog bedding, most of all it will kill red mite in poultry houses. It really does work, you can find many website forums singing its praises.
* Residual Red Mite control
* Natural Wormer
* Increases digestability of the feed
* Helps in supplying adequate minerals
* Aids in greater utilisation of feed value. It will save on feed as less undigested feed passes through the large intestine as waste matter
* Causes noticeably better health, less sickness and a faster growth gain
* Diatom is a 100% natural product
* No Egg withdrawal period necessary
* Pack sizes 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg and 15kg
* Residual Red Mite control. Scatter a good handful around the perch and nesting areas. The mite will crawl through the dust to get to the hens at night. the Diatom scratches the mites waxy shell causing it to slowly dehydrate and die.
* Feeding rates: Add 1% Diatom to Poultry Feed, 2% for Pigs, Goats and Sheep, 5oz in Horse Rations. Can also be used for Dogs and Cats. "

It was on this website:
http://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Diatom_Parasite_Control.html

Has anyone had any different experience with diatom? (sorry to hijack thread but keen to know if the claims are rubbish or not)

[joyfull]

diatomaceous earth if breathed in can lead to all sorts of respirtory problems - the best way is to make it into a slurry using a poultry shield dilution and then painting it on.

please read this before feeding it to your birds:-

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/de.htm

[Curlytop]

diatomaceous earth if breathed in can lead to all sorts of respirtory problems - the best way is to make it into a slurry using a poultry shield dilution and then painting it on.

please read this before feeding it to your birds:-

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/de.htm

Hello Joyful
What do you use to prevent Red Mite? I am concerned after reading the article as I cover my coop in Diatom from head to toe once a month and put it in the nest boxes and poop tray weekly 

[joyfull]

I periodically spray with poultryshield and touch wood (says she tapping her head) have never had red mite - yet my coups now and my shed previously have always been next to lots of trees and wild birds.

[Curlytop]

I can't see that all these products can be good for the Hens or us, I do use poultry shield once a month as well, so think I might cut back on some, though I might change my mind if bitten by the dreaded mite.

[joyfull]

red mite can strike anytime anywhere, the trick is to be vigillant and act straight away to minimise the problem. One of the best things is to roof coups with onduline or similar as this leaves no roof felt for the little blighters to hide in. My coups I bought last year are all felted but this is industrial stuff and is stuck down with the proper hot tar not tacked on like most so mine has a sealed covering. My shed that I used to have had had it's roof replaced with onduline.