Can Diatomaceous Earth cause respiratory problems in chickens?

[cpuzz]

Can food grade DE cause respiratory problems in chickens?

 

[ThePigeonKid]

Can food grade DE cause respiratory problems in chickens?

Red Lake Diatomaceous Earth:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&...&sig=AHIEtbQAVMYHqSsFZgMCJ9h3-649Ecnpbw&pli=1

 

[UrbanviewFarm]

Good question, i'd like a definite answer to this one myself!

I can gve you my personal thoughts, and that is yes. I know that humans shouldn't breathe in the stuff on a regular basis and I would image chickens shouldn't either. But this is sage advice coming from someone who dumps POUNDS of the stuff in whenever I clean coop, every month or so. The only obvious damage I have seen is to new chicks if you happen to dust them (turkeys got mites so I was pulling the poults from the hen and dusting them).

 

[dawg53]

DE is non toxic. However, if someone inhales it there could be problems in the long run such as silicosis.
http://www.deq.state.or.us/er/docs/LowerBridge/DiatomaceousEarthFactSheet.pdf