hej
smallfarmers...
Though this post is a few months old, I noticed it still has no definitive answer. I too was curious about an amount to add to the hen's feed as I'd read that it was also beneficial as a very safe and natural eliminator of parasitic worms, in addition to the control of red mites as you originally intended.
After much additional searching and reading, what I've found is that there seems to be an ongoing debate from users as to the effectiveness of internal use. These two linked threads (
thread #1 and
thread #2 ) from BackyardChickens.com, though initially queried and posted in 2007 and 2011 respectively offer pages of informative discussion in regards to use and observed effectiveness, as well as links to some scientific reports. Both threads are still being added to on occasion.
What is not really contested is that Diatomaceous Earth (
kiselalger or diatoméer) is effective in the control and eradication of red mites (
Dermanyssus gallinae) as an externally applied powder on chickens, in their nesting boxes, roosting perches and henhouse interior.
I found the kiselalger (marketed with the name kiselgur) as referenced by
Kelpie at Granngårdens also as
Kelpie suggested. It is sold as a mineral supplement for horses.
Hope you've already found the
kiselgur and licked the mite problem, if not, maybe this information can help.
A friend here in Skåne had the red mite problem and was directed by a veterinarian to use a certain poisonous spray which inevitably killed his hens. I myself would prefer to use DE as it is a natural silica product that can even be ingested (humans as well) with no ill affects.
Also it can be purchased online from numerous places here in Sweden. A GOOGLE search for kiselgur can find numerous sites. Probably an exploration would be in order for finding the best price. Good luck!
