chicks moving into coop

[junkman56]

hello, I have a question on getting the bedding ready in my coop for when I transfer the chicks from the brooder to the coop. is it safe to add DE in the bedding ( pine shavings ) for the young chicks? and how much should I sprinkle around, this is all new to me. I have the nesting boxes closed off so the chicks will not roost in them. also I plan on putting in the bedding some fresh rosemary and lavender. I look forward to your suggestions and comments.

thank you

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think the herbs is a good idea. It doesn't matter how much DE you add. Just don't overdo it.
Don't overthink this. People have been raising chickens on pine shavings a long time without any of those accoutrements.
The main thing is stocking density.

 

[junkman56]

I think the herbs is a good idea. It doesn't matter how much DE you add. Just don't overdo it.
Don't overthink this. People have been raising chickens on pine shavings a long time without any of those accoutrements.
The main thing is stocking density.

thanks for you reply, I just want to make sure they don't get mites and lice,

 

[chickens really]

Not to start a DE debate, but DE is not safe to use with Chickens....
I would never use it....I use Dusting powder along all edges of my coop and put bedding over the powder....Once a month I dust the roost....I use sand in my Coop and Run....Less cost and easier to clean...

Cheers!

 

[junkman56]

Not to start a DE debate, but DE is not safe to use with Chickens....
I would never use it....I use Dusting powder along all edges of my coop and put bedding over the powder....Once a month I dust the roost....I use sand in my Coop and Run....Less cost and easier to clean...

Cheers!

thank you.... do you use the dust in your dust bath also. how thick of sand do you put down in your coop,

 

[junkman56]

I think the herbs is a good idea. It doesn't matter how much DE you add. Just don't overdo it.
Don't overthink this. People have been raising chickens on pine shavings a long time without any of those accoutrements.
The main thing is stocking density.

what do you mean by ( stocking density )

 

[chickens really]

Quote: Not in my Dusting area....I add the ash from our wood stove and fire pit to the dusting areas....My sand in the coop is about 3 inches deep....I use a kitty litter scoop daily to clean under the roost and then pile it to use the next spring in my flower beds...

Cheers!