Diatom

[Liza]

I have deloused my chickens and powdered the bedding etc, would it be OK to still compost the old bedding or will the diatom kill the worms ?

[lettucegrow!]

Now there's a thought. I've googled Diatom and it can be used as a wormer in hens ,so there's a possibility that it could kill them in your compost bin, I suppose.
I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along soon!

[Suechooks]

I use diatom all through the summer and my compost heap is heaving with worms! It acts on the chickens gut I think and also on the outer casing of the red mite as its a silicate(?) or something and therefore abrasive - or so I understand ! I'm quite willing to be corrected by anyone with a more scientific brain than mine! You should really wear a dust mask when chucking it about as it can affect your lungs if you're not careful.

[jimred]

Is there any scientific evidence that Diatom kills redmite, i have to say that i havnt seen a redmite yet in my coop but this is only my 2nd summer.

I use a mixture of diatom in the coop and a weekly spray of Harkers

[Hilary B]

Parasitic worms are not at all closely related to the ones that you want in the compost bin.....