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steevo66218

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...A Chicken! - said my 10 year-old daughter. Not the smartphone she had been asking for, a chicken! I'm doing my research, hoping to give her that experience once I've figured out what I'm doing.

I have one question at this point - what is 'DE' as used with deep litter methods? I haven't found this specified anywhere, only the acronym.

Thanks for your help!
 
Welcome to Backyard Chickens who between you brought up DE and just one chickens must have more they are very social need friends
Diatomaceous Earth, DE. The Benefit/Risk Analysis from The Experts. Whether or not to use food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) in one's flock is a decision each chicken-keeper must make for themselves. ... Chickens maintain their feathers and skin and control parasites by dust bathing, which is no more than a dry dirt bath.
 
Welcome! Just want to reiterate what penny1960 said, chickens are flock animals so ideally you should consider getting at least 3. And "DE" (diatomaceous earth) is something you'll need to decide on whether or not you want to use in your setup as well. Folks here are pretty divided on it. I personally don't really believe in it, but it's in my feed, so even without buying it I do up use it in a roundabout way.

Lots of info on this site about space and housing recommendations, diet, zoning ordinances, predator proofing, etc., so make sure to read up as there'd be nothing as heartbreaking for your child to lose her new pets to something preventable.
 
Yes, it is diatomaceous earth, which is not supposed to be used in the deep litter method because it dries everything up. You can look up diatomaceous earth if you don't know what it is, and most people wouldn't unless they are into farming/gardening. Basically it is dried up old organisms made into a powder, which some people believe is effective against both internal and external parasites. Some, including myself, do not use it because there is no proof that it is effective, and it can be hazardous if inhaled or if it gets into the eyes.

Also, welcome to BYC! I hope you find the website fun and useful. Happy holidays.
 
Of course you want to get her a chicken. However, you must realize that it will likely be "one more chicken," and "one more chicken," and so on. It's hard to have just one because they are so intriguing and, fortunately, chickens are social animals so getting more than one is good for them, too.

Welcome to the group! Keep in touch when you get your bird(s) and congratulations on having a smart 10-year-old daughter. People here will always be happy to help you.
 
Welcome ~ & adding my voice to those who say you need more than one chicken to keep them happy. If space is an issue & you're not fussed whether you get eggs or not, consider bantams. Lots of variety & many kept as pets.
 
Welcome to BYC.......give her the joy of studying up on chickens with her dad, and how to build a coop, way before getting any chickens. They are not christmas or easter gifts, they are a long term commitment. had to say it, apologies if that is not your intention.

rosemarythyme said:
but it's in my feed,
Click to expand...
Which is good, because it kills grain mites.

JedJackson said:
which is not supposed to be used in the deep litter method because it dries everything up.
Click to expand...
.....and can kill many beneficial organisms.
 
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aart said:
Welcome to BYC.......give her the joy of studying up on chickens with her dad, and how to build a coop, way before getting any chickens. They are not christmas or easter gifts, they are a long term commitment. had to say it, apologies if that is not your intention.

dadyWhich is good, because it kills grain mites.

.....and can kill many beneficial organisms.
Click to expand...

:goodpost:
I really really like the studying together suggestion. What an awesome teachable chance that would be.
 

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