Diatomaceous Earth

[wildbird]

Does anyone use diatomaceous earth for their birds? I picked up a bochure today at a feed store on it labeled "Birds". It sounds very useful for controlling mites & worms. It's supposed to be safe with no side effects. If this is true, why isn't this used instead of drugs? It states that it can be applied directly to the bird, on the food or in the bath water. I have noticed that my two Javas have been scratching recently. Their feather condition is great & everything else is fine. Since they love to take baths, I was thinking of adding it to that, but I want to make sure that it is safe. The name of the product is Grandpa's Diatomaceous Earth fresh water food grade. Also how much would I add to bath water? If it can't harm them, I would like to try it. If anyone has experience with it, I would appreciate your input.

[Sally]

As long as it is food grade, it should be perfectly safe. I haven't used it much, but it is supposed to be a much better alternative to the chemicals we use. I did add it to my seed mix one time, read about it at www.friskyfinches.com. It was supposed to deter seed moths. I used the amount they recommended, but it seemed like everything had a coating of dust, so I finally gave up on it. I've read of people giving it to dogs and cats as a natural wormer.

[wilkifam]

I use it with my chickens, sprinkle a layer under the pine shavings in the coop. SOOOOOO MESSY..... I would not use it indoors on my birds just because it is so messy.

[Smurf]

I use it in all the nest boxes and under the trays, as yet i've never had problems with cage mites but only got my first birds less than a year ago, as it keeps killing mites indefinitly i figure it's the best option for nest boxes, most chemical based products only stay active for up to 6 weeks.

[wildbird]

Thank you Sally, Wilkifam & Smurf for taking the time to reply. I checked the website & I do see there are some warnings, not to get it into the eyes or breath it in. Also, it becomes ineffective when wet, so that puts the bath out. They didn't state whether Concern Diatomaceous Earth is food grade or not. I'll see what else I can find out.

[Corkysgirl]

wildbird if it says "Birds" on it it's most likely food grade but if they're going to be eating it, I would make sure. We use it for our chickens, mixed in the dirt outside. I guess it isn't as air borne that way. It's very light and as you work with it, it's like talcum powder, very hard not to breathe it in. You have to be oh so careful yourself working with it. But it's really great stuff for so many things if you are just careful about the few limitations. I would be hesitant to use it on finches myself...on their body for mites because they're so tiny and if they did breathe it in, it would be bad. Yes, and the fact that when it gets wet, it's not going to take care of the issues your seeking to remedy.

[finchmix22]

I used that for controlling fleas with my dogs, but you have to be careful as it is very dusty and works by cutting open the back shell of the insect so they dehydrate. It can cause lung damage if inhaled, so I would stay away from that around birds.

[wildbird]

Thank you Corkysgirl & Finchmix22. I have ordered Avian Insect Liquidator from ladygouldianfinch.com. This should be safe, if I think they need it.