Question about using Diatomaceous Earth for chickens to dust bathe in.

I use it. I put it in their feed and it the nests. I don't mix it in the dirt unless they are dust bathing in front of me, then I sprinkle a little on them Mine have never had mites, I just do it as a precaution.

Hi,

I am not very knowlegeable on this subject but I understand that if you use Diatomaceous Earth, it MUST be labeled "Food Grade" or it could be harmful to the chickens.  I would do some research before using it.  Good luck!  Genie

But I'm always suspicious of holistic stuff and related voodoo type remedies

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WHAT?    I always use FOOD GRADE D.E. to dust everything in the coop when I clean it out.  My chickens have favorite spots to dust bathe in and those spots get a good dose also.

Yes it does keep away the mites  etc.
I have never had a problem and cleaning out the coop twice a year   I dust DE all over before I add the fresh wood shavings but do wear a mask.
cutlers supply has small bags    ( on the net)
if you dont need a 50# bag.(  DE  longs a long way.)

Yep I use it.  I sprinkle it anywhere and everywhere...nest boxes, food, roost, dust bath area...I have had my chickens for almost a year now and no mites or anything.

Don't inhale it, use food grade only!

~Rebecca

I don't think it would be safe not to use food grade because chickens eat everything including their bedding

This isn't actually "holistic voodoo". DE is a natural substance that is the fossilized remains of diatoms. They nick and absorb the waxy coating on the outside of arthropods like mites and fleas, causing them to dehydrate. It is a mechanical pesticide, rather than chemical. It is used widely in grain storage facilities commercially and is not "voodoo."

It is important to use FOOD grade DE, because the industrial grade (as found at swimming pool stores, etc) has too much powered silica which can be a health hazard when inhaled by both humans and chickens. It's much cheaper than buying chemical pesticides, which REALLY aren't good for you.

Thanks for saying that. I was just gonna write something to that effect since is not holistic or voodoo but science.