Can I use DE in the coop if I am organic?

[moenmitz]

I was planning on using food grade DE in with the shavings to help control smell and external parasites-would this affect organic certification at all?

 

[MissPrissy]

It shouldn't. Food grade DE is an organic substance.

 

[ravenfeathers]

DE won't affect your organic certification. it's not a chemical at all, just the skeletons of long-dead diatoms, no different from topsoil or lime in that respect.

 

[revelu]

Sorry to butt in, but what is the difference between food-grade and non-food-grade DE?

 

[MissPrissy]

Codex grade DE (food grade) is edible and non toxic. I only use PermaGuard brand DE.

All other forms of DE are 85% or more silica that is toxic. Gardening and pool grade DE are poison.

 

[revelu]

ok, thank you!

 

[robinaggie]

I got DE out of a tub at my health food store. It was among the bulk flours, etc. Now I am told that it is not "food grade." I'm going to make them put a big label on the tub. I can't be the only person to make a bad assumption.

 

[revelu]

isn't silica sand? why would that be toxic? excuse me if these are dumb questions-- but I'm going to get some food-grade DE and just making sure about everything--

 

[robinaggie]

Any inhaled fine particulate - even sand - can cause lung problems. The toxicity isn't in the chemical composition - it's in the form (powder), and the exposure (inhalation).

 

[Lea71]

Quote:
Wow...I'm shocked they would try to sell it like that. Anyhooo....I have organic chickies and we praise the DE. Also works great to get rid of ants and keep the flies down in the yard. With 50 lbs. of the stuff....you'll put it everywhere.

I also mix it with their dust bath to keep 'em clean. Definitely wear a mask or scarf or something around your face when working in close quarters with it. Not good to inhale the little particles, the particulate matter basically scrapes on the way down and causes scarring. Similar to asbestos exposure...you'll end up with a fibrosis-type condition later on in life...lack of elasticity in the lung. Okay...I'm done....if you hadn't noticed, I'm a respiratory therapist.