DE is diatomacious earth. For the chickens we use food grade. It's helpful with pest control and odor control, among lots of other things, and available at most farm stores or online. I am one of those people who is most likely overdoing the cleaning routine. One day I strip it down to bare surface, spread newspapers, pretty good layer of shavings over that, and clean the roosts, the waterer and feeder. The next day I just scoop out the soiled litter, add fresh, clean the roosts, waterers and feeders, and call it good. I alternate - one day the whole 9 yards, the next day just the litter.What is DE?
In my defense, I have a two and half year old granddaugher with Spina Bifida and some other, less severe, health problems. She is here almost every day. So if it comes down to a little extra work or her safety and well being, I'll over-clean any day!