I want to give my goats some Diatomaceous Earth for a wormer. If anyone has used it how did it work and how much and how often did you give it ? Where can I get it in Georgia ? Thanks MDA

-- Mark Anderson (anderson8@planters.net), December 04, 2001

Answers

Hi Mark. I have used DE for several years now.. and for several years have not had a fecal sample come back positive.. I sprinkle it on the ground after stripping bedding areas and before putting fresh shavings/straw down, and I also add a handful to my loose mineral mix every time I fill the mineral feeder. I also have used it as a lice dusting powder with good results. I get my DE from Bill Spainhoward in KY.. his email is oe1@henderson.net I think his website address is OE1.com "Ridgewood Ratites". He accepts paypal too. Fecal exams would be the key in discovering if this truly works for you.. before using it, and again about 30-45 days after. Hope that helps.. :)patty Prairie Oak Miniatures http://www.minifarm.com/prairie_oak visit our message board! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Littlegoats moderator

-- Patty Putnam (WI) (littlegoats@wi.rr.com), December 04, 2001.

We bought 50# at the feed mill for about $10. A little goes a long way. But I suspect you might be better off worming them in the conventional way then using the DE as a preventative.

-- john (natlivent@pcpros.net), December 04, 2001.

Food grade diatomaceous earth is fed daily ~ either by measurement or free fed ~ not only for deworming, but other beneficial properties. You can't overdose, but if enough isn't fed, it won't work. And as has been suggested, periodic vet fecal tests lets you know how your critters are doing. I've never had a need for any other dewormers for my chooks.

Food (codex) grade DE is sold in feed stores and organic nurseries/garden centers. It should be 100% DE with no additives and white in color. This is the only DE approved for internal use by the FDA, EPA, AMDA, USDA.

Industrial grade DE is used for many things, like swimming pool filters. It is heated/treated/ground larger than food grade (which is NOT heated/treated) and could harm your critters.

If you can't find food grade DE in your town, here are some reliable suppliers who ship:

Star Lake Beef in Canada http://www.starlakebeef.com

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Marshall Grain in Texas

http://www.marshallgrain.com/

Type 'diatomaceous earth' in the search.

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Peaceful Valley Farm in California

http://www.groworganic.com/

Scroll down near the bottom of the page and type 'Diatomaceous Earth' in the search.

Suggested Feeding:

Beef Cattle  1% of total weight of dry ration; 5% in grain

Dairy Cattle  1% of total weight of dry ration

Calves  4 grams in morning milk per calf

Chickens  2% in feed, use at full strength in dusting boxes

Hogs  2% of total feed ration, dust or spray on bedding and animals

Horses  5 ounces (1 cup) in daily feed ration

Sheep  1% in ground grains; 1 part Diatomaceous Earth to 2 parts T-M salt

Goats  1% in grain; 5% per bushel of feed: up to 50% in T-M salt

Dogs  1 Tablespoon per day in daily ration for dogs over 35 lbs.; 1 teaspoon per day in ration for small dogs and puppies

Cats 1 tsp. per daily ration

To the above poster who paid $10 for 50 pounds....if it was recently, I would suggest they bought the filter grade used in swimming pools.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), December 05, 2001.

I just got my catalog from the Albert Lea Seed Co., and they have 50# bags of DE for $13.50 . Try www.alseed.com.

-- Paul D. (pd-personal@qwest.net), December 05, 2001.

i was told it also helps keep flies down because it kills the maggots that are laid in the poop.

I think the advertiser in Countryside Mag that sells it is called "Good Earth" and it is an organic gardening catalogue that also sells stuff for animals.

I had a goat knocked off her feet from wormer and I think she almost died. I am getting this stuff to use, and have a few other suggestions: 1) Grapefruit Seed extract used every day. Good to prevent mastitis, other illnesses and it is a wormer. Search for Citricidal on the web. 2) Senna leaf every day (I just give a teaspoon). I am giving it now I bought by the pound, but next summer I am going to grow wormwood and see if they like it. 3 ) Garlic daily.

You know if they are pastured animals to rotate the pastures to keep worms down, yes?

-- marcee (thathope@mwt.net), December 06, 2001.

Try www.dairygoats.com www.caprinesupply.com (Hoegger's Supplies in Fayetteville, GA) has diatomaceous earth. I get mine there. Wonderful people, good prices, great service.

-- Mick (CackleberryAcres@aol.com), December 06, 2001.