DE and chicks. Your knowledge/experience much appreciated.

[ninabeast]

First-time mama: I have playsand in my brooder and the brooder in the house. Is there any reason to add DE to the sand? If there were flies or other beasties, would I see them? I see my 16 day old chicks scratching around their ears from time to time, but I've been assuming that was a) normal chick behaviour and/or b) some sand in their little ears. Is it more likely to be a good precaution, or a needless intervention?

Thanks!

 

[Nicole01]

I use food grade DE in the brooder to keep the odor down, especially for the 6-7 week olds. I like it and it works well. I will keep using it for the coop to keep odor and parasites down as well. If you buy DE, make sure it's food grade.

 

[Judy]

You will see them scratch or preen about everywhere as they feather out. I figure it must itch.

On DE, there is a wide range of opinions on here, from don't waste your money to don't be without it, it cures everything. I lean toward don't waste your money. It does kill little critters like lice/mites by sratching / dehydrating. But you can use pyrethrins or the like just as well -- poultry dust at the feed store -- which is easier to find and cheaper as a rule. And it is rough on lungs; you really should wear a mask when handling; so what does it do to chicken lungs?

from the FAQ page:

What is DE, how is it used and is it safe for my chickens?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=3688
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=705
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=3800