sepiolite

agapanthus · « **on:** September 20, 2007, 14:41 »

Someone has just given me a bag of Sepiolite....chinchilla dusting powder. Would it be safe for my little chicks (5 weeks old) to dust bathe in it?

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2007, 15:35 »

http://www.ima-eu.org/fileadmin/downloads/minerals/Sepiolite_fact_sheet.pdf

I don't know if it would be suitable !
It is very absorbent, would it perhaps remove oil from the feather ?

agapanthus · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2007, 16:11 »

Thanks for replying Sally...it's a difficult one this. :?

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2007, 16:12 »

I think I'd stick to something you know is safe until someone who has used it can tell you it's OK :!:

agapanthus · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2007, 16:34 »

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"

I think I'd stick to something you know is safe until someone who has used it can tell you it's OK :!:

So failing that what would you recommend? They have been bathing in the sawdust/woodchips in the box they sleep in.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2007, 16:44 »

My chooks use old J I potting compost in their run dustbath. New stuff would be sterile for little babies to use :idea:

(Munty won't agree though ) :roll:

agapanthus · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2007, 17:47 »

Quote from: "Aunt Sally"

My chooks use old J I potting compost in their run dustbath. New stuff would be sterile for little babies to use :idea:

(Munty won't agree though ) :roll:

Does he ever?

? lol

I'll use the compost...thanks.

richyrich7 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2007, 20:05 »

Just a quick thought you could always microwave any compost if you wasn't sure it was sterile. :idea:

agapanthus · « **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2007, 20:33 »

Thanks Richy...

richyrich7 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2007, 20:37 »

Thats Ok, we don't have one but I reckon it's about the most useful thing one may do