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100% Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE), fossil shell flour, has many uses in your aviary. It is a natural way to control insects in your aviary and internal parasites in the digestive tract of your birds.
DE contains an assortment of trace minerals, but its main component is silicon dioxide or silica. Its absorbent and mildly abrasive nature make it capable of binding to heavy metals and toxins when ingested.
DE is an effective chemical-free preventative and treatment of insects including; lice, mites, ticks, fleas, spiders, bedbugs, and ants.
RECOMMENDED BY VETS
CRAWLING INSECT CONTROL diatomaceous earth kills by physical action, not chemical. After walking or crawling through the product the tiny diatoms polish off the insect’s waxy coating when they move. When the waxy coating is finally polished through, the product sucks the body fluids from the insect, rendering it dead.
Drs. Kim Bloomer & Jeannie Thomason, hosts of the online radio show, Animal Talk Naturally, have this to say about our Perm-Guard Crawling Insect Control
Diatomaceous Earth:
"Our work is based on natural, preventive care for animals, so of course we are always on the lookout for good, quality NATURAL products to help our clients and our listening audience that won’t break the bank.”
HOW IT WORKS:
The fine powder of diatomaceous earth adheres to the exoskeleton of insects, then the sharp edges of the fossilized diatoms cut through the outer surface and into the insect’s softer tissues. DE is extremely absorbent and will dehydrate the insect; this process can take a few hours to several days. DE also works on developing insect eggs and larvae.
Because DE works to kill insects physically via dehydration, we do not need to worry about chemical resistance, egg/meat withdrawal times, or any negative impacts due to chemical inhalation/contact, etc. In other words, using DE is natural as it gets!
DIRECT APPLICATION IN FEATHERS:
While holding the bird, lightly sprinkle DE through the bird's feathers. During the application of DE, the dust may become airborne. Food grade DE is not a toxin, but as with any kind of dust, even road dust, baby powder, or corn-starch, inhaling it can irritate the lungs and it can get into the eyes. Use adequate ventilation and avoid breathing the DE dust. If concerned about inhalation, cover the bird's head with a towel while applying DE to the feathers
IN THE FEED:
DE can be added directly to the feed to protect the seed from spoilage due to weevils and other grain-eating insects. Additionally, its ability to absorb moisture makes it a great preservative for stored grain. No harm is caused when ingested and it may have a positive effect internally to detoxify as well as deworm the bird.
Add 2% to the total weight of the grain. For example, for 50lbs of feed, add up to 1lb of Diatomaceous earth. DE powder is fine and light and will naturally stick to grain without the need to coat with oils. Give the DE coated feed to your birds as often as desired
IN THE LOFT:
DE can be added to the loft litter, perches, in nest boxes, around nest bowls, and in crevices and cracks where insects may hide.
DE should be applied to dry areas (for the best results), so make sure birds and loft/cage are dry.
As you add in the new litter, shavings, straw, etc, add in DE, sprinkle about ½ cup per every 2 sq ft.
For poultry add a light layer of DE to their dust bathing area and as the chickens bathe, they will self-apply it throughout their feathers.
Regular application every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended to avoid re-infestation.