DE non food grade

[Henway Park]

I have had to keep my hens in their coop and run following a hawk attack since they have no cover. Too much togetherness and the contact with the hawk (I suspect) let to an nasty outbreak of lice. I have treated the birds and the coop, and dusted both with DE. I think the problem is now resolved. The dirt in the run under the coop stays dry, but is mostly clay and packs hard. They have a difficult time making a dust bath. Can I use pool grade DE mixed with the dirt under the coop to help keep them dusted or will it harm them? (i know, long windup for a short pitch)

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I've been told not to use pool grade.

 

[leonphelps]

no, use only food grade. the pool stuff has chemicals in it and also has heavy metals that are not good to use in contact with living animals. in a pool, DE stays in the filter and does not circulate in the water.