DE in BABIES FOOD?

[Dilly]

Should I or can I safely add some DE to the Chick starter from day one? I was thinking this would help eliminate the possibilty of pasty butts.

Thanks

 

[WikkitGateFarm]

Are you trying to control insect pests in the food as you store it? DE is for the outsides.

Available fresh clean water, dry bedding, general cleanliness, proper temperatures, and other things that reduce stress will help. A little pasting here and there is normal as they get their guts accustomed to working on real food. It'll fall off as the down comes out. Just watch to be sure they don't get pasted closed. That's when you have to break out the damp rags.

 

[speckledhen]

You can use Food Grade DE in feed at a rate of no more than 2% of the total feed, however, I don't put DE in chick starter other than maybe a cup in a big 50# bag and stir it around to kill any bugs that may find their way inside. Mine is stored in metal garbage cans out on my covered deck, so it's plausible that a bug could find its way in. Not sure what if anything it would do to help pasty bums, but organic, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother of Vinegar (sediment) at a rate of a tablespoon or so in a quart waterer seems to help if they are having pasty bum problems.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Just wondering about the *reason* for thinking this?


Pat, getting 20 chicks this weekend

 

[Dilly]

Quote:
Just wondering about the *reason* for thinking this?


Pat, getting 20 chicks this weekend

Well since they use it in the feed at 5 % ratio, bedding on the body in and around coop etc. Also on their site I read the following and thought hmmmm maybe this will help with pasty butt.

"There are some features about DE that correspond with its ability as both a digestive aid and a colon cleanser" If they are having pasty butts, obviously something is not setting right maybe eating shavings? Just tought I would ask.

What sort of chickens are you getting Pat?

 

[Tuffoldhen]

All the pasty butt problems I have heard of over the years is usually caused by stress, not enough water intake and feeding too early after they come out of the incubator.....

Personally, I've never heard of giving DE in a young chicks feed...

 

[Dilly]

Good that is what I wanted was a concensous on the use or non use.

Thanks

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Mostly speckled Sussex, also some golden Campines and buff chanteclers. Will pick them up on sun. or mon. Am definitely entering Anxiety Mode

Pat