Because of the recent rains we’ve been experiencing and now this latest warming trend of 80+ degree days, Jordanne spread/sprinkled a bunch of diatomaceous earth into the animals’ (400 sq ft) enclosure yesterday.

Diatomaceous earth or “DE” is a 100% natural cure for all manner of poultry ailments including intestinal worms/parasites, mites and lice. DE also deters any hatching flies!

It’s good practice/habit to apply regularly, especially in the Spring when temperatures start to warm and bring out all sorts of unwanted buggies. Applying DE in the dirt/mulch is good for when the chickens take their dust bath as they’ll get some DE in their feathers which will combat mites and lice.

Here’s Jordanne giving the enclosure a good dusting before spreading a new layer of mulch, straw.

Jordanne applies DE (try not to handle the DE too much, it dries out your hands)

Sprinkle here and there

Raking the DE into the earth…and here comes Belgian Bantam, Lucie  (a.k.a Lucie Goosey) to inspect the process.  

:: Field Hand Appreciation :: GM $10 donation. Thank you for your support.