How Much DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Should I Feed My Chickens

CarolynF · Jun 19, 2011

I've been searching the forums but haven't found the answer to this. How much DE (diatomaceous earth) should I be feeding? I only have 2 chickens right now so I only put out about 1 lb of food at a time. Would I add a tablespoon, teaspoon, 1 ounce... ? This one seems to be a tuffy for me!

THANKS!

tclegg · Jun 19, 2011

I wonder the same and if anyone knows how much and where and what size bags it comes in?

TroutsChicks · Jun 19, 2011

I found some food grade at the co-op they said they had 50# bags and 2.5 # bags. I also don't know how much to give, but plans on giving them some to dust bathe in.

WisconsinChickenWhisperer · Jun 20, 2011

I found some food grade at my local co-op as well, but it only comes in 4# bags. Right now I only use it in their bedding and for dust bathing........

Bear Foot Farm · Jun 20, 2011

None

There is no benefit to feeding it to any animals at all

Marshchick · Jun 20, 2011

I'd done a few searches on DE in the forum, and one poster suggested 1/4 cup of DE per 1 gallon of feed. So I've been using that measurement.

savilcr · Jun 20, 2011

I thought you were only supposed to put it in their bedding? anyone else feed it to them?

Sissy · Jun 20, 2011

yes it can be added to feed
BUT.. only food grade.. DE

not the kind for swimming pools.

for 2 chickens??? that is a tough one.
Lb. feed for 2 chix should last at least a week

if you feed them some table scraps mine love popcorn
but popped of course. or left over cooked rice.
or old bread.
thats save on the feed bill
as your flock grows. and some pumpkin or fruit.

memahenny · Jun 20, 2011

I only use it for bedding and baths............

It's good to put on kennels for dogs too...........helps keep the flys away

BoltonChicken · Jun 20, 2011

I wouldn't feed it to them at all. Good for insects, bugs, etc. when put in litter and also kills lice on the chicks. Make SURE it is food grade DE, the other kind
can kill 'em.

How Much DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Should I Feed My Chickens

More options

CarolynF

Crowing

tclegg

Chirping

TroutsChicks

Fluffy Stuffins

WisconsinChickenWhisperer

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Bear Foot Farm

Crowing

Marshchick

In the Brooder

savilcr

Chirping

Sissy

Songster

memahenny

In the Brooder

BoltonChicken

Songster

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