Coop, run, DE, compost

[New2023]

From what i read - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bedding-composting-and-diatomaceous-earth.1091603/
I cannot compost the chicken bedding in the coop or run if I have DE to prevent insects from biting my chickens. My question is, if I cannot use DE, what can I use and still able to compost the bedding?

Thank you

 

[nuthatched]

You can compost it no problem.
DE doesn't kill bugs anywhere as well as it's claimed and once it's the least bit damp, it looses all efficacy. (It doesn't work at all.)

 

[ChickyCh00k]

If you're doing the deep litter method, DE will negatively impact that system. It kills beneficial microorganisms that are needed for the deep litter method to work properly - I have read that it is compostable, but there are better, safer things and applications for pest control than DE in the coop. As nuthatched mentioned, it's really not as effective as some believe. I put First Saturday Lime and Garden Sulfur in my chickens' dust bath - this is preferable to putting it in the coop, as it is outdoors and well-ventilated. Putting anything super dusty in the coop isnt ideal. Sulfur is highly effective at killing and preventing mites, lice, fleas, and ticks on poultry. You can add it to a dustbath, or even hang a sachet of it above the chicken door of the coop (so the chickens brush against it as they enter/exit the coop).

This article explains the use of Sulfur and cites the research at the bottom:

https://onceuponachicken.com/sulfur-for-chickens-lice-mites/

 

[Kiki]

DE doesn't kill anything with the slightest bit of moisture.
I wouldn't waste a dime on DE thinking it's going to prevent or rid lice and mites because it isn't going to.

 

[New2023]

Appreciate everyone's reply. Thank yoi