DE - Diatomaceous Earth

[aiwetir]

i don't get the impression that BethinIrving is interested in sharing their findings

 

[dustbath]

I'll be back in touch when I have some answers (you may want to subscribe to this question, though, as it will probably take a few days).

 

[dustbath]

I've checked with a biochemist at the Department of Agriculture, who has a reputation as a sceptic and extremely cautious about food safety. He said that crystalline silica, which is in the pool-type diatomaceous earth, is a known carcinogen and should be treated with caution, not inhaled, etc.

As you guys know, this is a different product from food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is used as a dewormer, mite control agent, etc. The pool stuff is subjected to high heat, which changes the contents chemically.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is required to have less than 5 percent crystalline silica. The biochemist said that in fact it has less than one percent and is therefore safe.

Also, he says that food-grade diatomaceous earth has been very extensively studied by the FDA. It has repeatedly found it to be safe and not to have any carcinogenic potential.

I'm not a scientist myself, so I leave it up to you to reach your own conclusions.

 

[aiwetir]

Quote:
i think that's supposed to be 0.5 %

 

[mothergoose1963]

I use it--never had a problem. That's my "scientific" study. My birds are healthy and happy. Bug and worm free.

Some people just like to stir the pot...and not tell you what's in it!

 

[Dustoff79]

agree, much safer than chemicals

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
Um, how do you know that anyone has it on their shoes? Sorry, I have to ask. Could be they just finished baking something and are covered in flour. That's the oddest thing I think I've ever heard anyone say about FOOD GRADE DE. Makes no sense.

I put some in every feed bag, not for the birds, but mainly to keep bugs from taking up residence in there, just in case some get in the storage cans. I dust under the wings and the "petticoat" areas of the birds from time to time to make sure there are no lice/mites. I get mine from a Custom Milling rep in my area. Just bought 100 pounds of it.

That is what I do. I'm not trying to convert anyone to it, though I would love for people to quit using dangerous chemicals around the birds and on the birds as much as possible.

 

[Reinbeau]

Quote:
Nope, not going to bother to try to convert you - if your mind is so closed to the correct information there's no point.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Not trying to hijack but...

I sent my hubby to the feedstore on Monday with the truck to pick up the straw I bought & had him ask about DE. The feedstore said that is ant killer??

 

[RickiHupp]

Ant killer, flea killer...almost any bug it kills. There is no use of dangerous chemicals though, its safe for almost anything. I use it in my chickens and my goats food, bedding, nest boxes...everything. I love the stuff!!