Diatomaceous earth for worms?

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Permalink Reply by meagan on January 23, 2011 at 12:48pm

I haven't used it but it was recommended to me by a heritage breeder in the valley.  I've used it on my plants and you should be able to get it at a garden center.  I was told to mix it in with the grain and to sprinkle it into their feathers.  I don't know how long it takes to work.  Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Laura Arp on January 23, 2011 at 3:15pm

I am going to get some Vicky. It's been recommended to me by several people. Worst time for worms is the fall. Come and visit - we can talk more.

Permalink Reply by Ross Moster on January 29, 2011 at 10:23pm

Diatomaceous earth is pretty amazing stuff. It's the skeletal remains of micro-organisms called Diatoms, and is very effective (as long as it's dry) for dealing with things like cockroach infestation. It both cuts them and clogs up their pores, causing them to de-hydrate and die. We used to sell it in bulk at the organic food co-op I managed. It was very light and incredibly cheap - we used to sell it for something like $1.50 lb. ( and a lb. would fill a decent sized bag).

And short of deliberately inhaling large quantities of it (which I don't think would actually be any worse than inhaling large quantities of dust), it's nontoxic.

I'm not sure what it's effectiveness is for de-worming, but I could see where it might be very effective. You definitely want the food grade variety; the swimming pool variety is supposedly much nastier and should be totally avoided.

If you end up using it, I'd like to hear what the results are.

Permalink Reply by Julia Smith on February 3, 2011 at 4:19pm

I haven't used it as a de-wormer but you can pick it up at WestWay feeds in Delta. We use it in the dust bath and around the coop to keep mites at bay. Apple cider vinegar in the water is supposed to be good for worms too. I keep meaning to add it.

Permalink Reply by Laura Arp on February 6, 2011 at 11:11pm

I have a big bag now if anyone wants to try.

(Got it from Mark's on Commercial - he will bring it in if you call ahead - the schedule is call by Wednesday pick up on Friday.)

 

I am aware of the following uses:

a) mix it with the dry feed (works to prevent internal parasites + bugs)

b) fluff it into the  feathers (like talcum powder, esp. around the bum area - works to prevent / kill external mites etc.)

c) sprinkle into coop walls + surfaces to prevent insects making a home...

 

It's a great product  - and cheap. Cheers, L.

Permalink Reply by Vicky on February 7, 2011 at 3:53pm

yes! let's meet up if you have some to share (not sure how big your bag is!)

will be in touch soon

Permalink Reply by Laura Arp on February 7, 2011 at 5:29pm

Great - pls. call me tonight after 9. It's a bag the size of the big feed bags - lots to share!

Permalink Reply by Jean Kindratsky on February 8, 2011 at 7:34am

Vicky,

We've also used cayenne powder in the feed along with cider vinegar in the water and this seemed to work. It creates a stomach environment that is unfriendly to worms without harming the hens.