Coop question

[stockton]

We are trying the "Deep Litter Method" anyone out there have this in their coop. I am having trouble find the DE - Diatomaceous Earth. We live in Minneapolis. Does anyone know where this is sold or is there and alternative to DE that can be used.

thanks much

 

[Ridgerunner]

Look toward the bottom of this link


https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1560-Food_Grade_DE

 

[stockton]

Thanks for your reply but that link is what I started with, no help with finding DE or an alternative. Also wondering if ANYONE on this forum has used the deep litter method.

thanks

 

[CityChook]

Hi Stockton -

from the SW burbs!

The small family owned pet store in my neighborhood sells DE. He ordered it in for me but it only took a couple days. It's about $20 for a pickle jar size, which is pretty expensive, but it lasts a long time (mine has lasted over a year) and makes storage significantly easier. PM me.

PS - I've seen Stall Dry at the Fleet Farm in Brooklyn Park. It's basically DE with clay, I believe. It comes in big bags and I think costs about $15.

PSS - I also do deep litter, as many, many people do on this forum. I can help you if I know what your specific question is. Also, you can go to the search function (in the blue bar above) and search specifically for "deep litter" and find tons of information. Hope this helps.

 

[stockton]

Oh thank you, I thought of you when I was sending my post because I read you were close to Mpls. We are in South Mpls. I did find it at Mills Fleet Farm. I wish I would of been more patient and waited for your reply. That pickle jar has lasted a year! My bag should last the rest of my life Ok my first question - how often do you clean out your coop on this deep litter method. Love your chicken page and my friends think I am nuts also. Our hens are now 8 weeks old.

thanks again

 

[3peeps]

I've used the deep litter method. Actually, I'm using it right now in the run. It's very dry in the run right now, so it works. I also put bags of grass clippings in there for them to eat and rummage through, which gets scratched in and eventually turns to bedding. I plan to remove it all in a few weeks as we are building a new run. I've had no smell and minimal flies, but I also use DE. I spread it with a flour sifter.

I've tried deep litter in the hen house, but now choose to just replace the bedding when it gets dirty. The house is in our garage, and if we let the pine shaving bedding with the DE sit too long, we get way too much dust from all of the chicken scratching. I think deep litter works a little better when you have some moisture, but we've had problems with lice, so I don't like to keep the bedding in there too long. I'm sure others have had success but this is what's working for me right now.

BE CAREFUL not to breath in the DE at all. I use it in my henhouse to keep things dry, but when I replace the bedding every couple weeks I always wear a respirator. I developed a sore throat and a nagging little cough that went away when I started being more careful with the DE.

I got mine through the local feed mill...she ordered it for me and called when it came in.

 

[CityChook]

I clean out my coop in April when it warms up and again in October before the cold weather sets in. Fresh shavings (maybe a 1/4 bale) are added once a month or when I remember. I sprinkle DE on about once a month too - maybe about a 3/4 cup-ish. I use a flour sifter but you could also just toss it by hand or with a scoop. It's powdery. I use more shavings in winter for the insulating factor, probably about 9 inches. I use less in summer, probably 4 inches. Toss once a week or when it starts looking matted down or poo-ey. While the coop is empty of shavings, I wash down all the walls and floor (they're painted, so it's really easy) and windows with just vinegar and water. Let it air dry and refill with new shavings.

 

[goldenluver]

most feed and hardware stores do not cary food grade DE, so I found it on e-bay. it was a few dollars cheaper than the actual company on- line store. Permagaurd brand DE food grade sells on e-bay at $55.00 fo 50lb bag and that is including the shipping cost, it breaks down to $25.00 + $30.00 s+h.

 

[DulcyDoll]

I bought my DE off ebay.

 

[SpunkyTheMonkey]

Quote:
we do. can't find DE or an alternative here so we just do it without, so far no probs as its plenty warm enough and not that humid here so the bedding is always nice and dry. you don't *need* DE most places imo, if you have it, great, it's a little better...if not, don't sweat it.