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Horse Care and Comfort

Diatomaceous earth for worming

Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

Hi have been having trouble with feather mites this year with my two heavy cobs so was recomended to try diatomaceous earth rather than clipping the feather. This has worked quite well with seriosly reduced the stamping. However some sites suggest using it for internal parasites in animals as well. Has anyone had any experience using it on horses and in what treatment regime and of course does it work as a natural alternative to regular wormers. Thanks

vicci - UK (North Wales)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed

http://www.animavet.com/NaturalDewormers.pdf

An article for you. If you are going to use anything 'natural' or otherwise I strongly recommend a worm count pre and post dosing: it would make sure that it works and provide us with some intial research findings as I have never heard of it. :-)

bryn
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

Many thanks vicci a worm count is definatly a good idea. Its a silica based fossil algae which is used a lot with poultry and works by dehydrating pests so not sure whether it might cause digestion problems but is certainly cost effective and easier than baths on horses with water issues on parasites but is a bit messy :)

MaggieF, Melbourne - Australia
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Hi Bryn - as horses are so prone to colic I would be very wary of giving them anything that has not been tried and tested and recommended by a professional.

bryn
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

Thanks Maggie that has been my greatest concern and with more reading the abrasive nature and need for regular dosing in quite large ammounts has led me to think its best only used for external parasites. One thing I've found is its best to apply very gently and with the horses nose to the wind as its quite a fine powder and breathing it in is not recommended again abrasive.

vicci - UK (North Wales)
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed 250 lessons completed 300 lessons completed 350 lessons completed

Bryn is a good Welsh name :-) Are you in Wales?

bryn
Hello! 100 lessons completed 150 lessons completed 200 lessons completed

I am indeed down in Carmarthenshire :)