# From Claude

I need to be careful here - while black walnut hulls have been used traditionally for deworming in livestock, I should search for current, reliable information on safe dosages for sheep, as this is a health matter where incorrect dosing could harm your animals.

Based on the information I found, here's what I can tell you:

## Black Walnut Powder Dosage for Sheep

The recommended dosage is 1/8 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight, given twice daily for 7 days [Libertyhomesteadfarm](https://libertyhomesteadfarm.com/herbal-remedies/homemade-herbal-animal-dewormer-tonic/) . So for a 120-pound sheep, you'd give approximately 1/2 teaspoon twice daily.

**Important considerations:**
- Start with the lower end of the dosage range and observe your sheep
- For lambs, a three-day dose can be given starting at 3 weeks of age, repeating every 3-4 weeks until 6 months old [Libertyhomesteadfarm](https://libertyhomesteadfarm.com/herbal-remedies/homemade-herbal-animal-dewormer-tonic/)
- Some sources suggest repeating the treatment after a 2-week break
- Always monitor for any adverse reactions

## Making Black Walnut Hull Powder

To make the powder from walnut hulls:

1. **Harvest the hulls**: Collect green (unripe) black walnut hulls in early fall when they're still green and soft
2. **Clean them**: Remove any debris
3. **Dry them**: Spread hulls in a single layer in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, or use a dehydrator at low temperature (95-115°F). This can take 1-2 weeks
4. **Grind them**: Once completely dry and brittle, grind them in a coffee grinder, food processor, or mill into a fine powder
5. **Store**: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place

**Critical reminders:**
- Black walnut can be toxic in high doses - stick to recommended amounts
- Consider having fecal egg counts done to monitor effectiveness
- Consult with a veterinarian, especially if your flock has a heavy parasite load
- These are complementary approaches and may not replace conventional dewormers in all situations

# attempt 11oct2025

Walnut hulls in oven at 150 preheat 1317