DE- PLEASE, someone tell me if they have had a bad experience!

[Chiiiiiiiiiickens!]

Hi everybody!
I'm about to treat my coop and dusting areas with Diatomaceous Earth and I have been reading many past post about it. It seems not everybody agrees that it is safe for chickens. Is there anyone out there that has learned from experience NOT to use DE? Anyone think their chicken died from inhaling it? What is the REAL scoop from those of you with long chicken experience!?

 

[lickskillet]

I've been using it for 8 years and have never had a problem with it and chickens or humans. I also put it in their feed and oyster shell. Works real well for mites and lice.

Make sure it's food grade...

 

[panner123]

The only time your chickens will have an ill effect is if you don't use a food grade DE. All the years I have been using it, it as never cause any problems. But it has solved a few.

 

[Poohbear]

That stuff scares heck outa me! I know it's in food we eat but I've been told that it is fine particle Silica that actually cuts up a bugs intestines. If I get a big snoot full of the stuff for one reason or another, will I be the BIGGEST bug it kills? Just sayin --------

 

[charlotteda]

Isnt it very dangerous for honeybees also ?

 

[Jonathanq1]

Daily water change is a must. Chickens are used to dust and all other waste etc....

 

[Chiiiiiiiiiickens!]

I'm reluctant to use DE in the garden because of the bee-killing problem. I don't think that will be an issue in the coop area. But maybe it will kill a few spiders

(sorry spider-loving folks)

 

[HappyVol]

I read that DE works by cutting the hard shell of bugs causing them to dehydrate.

It is not supposed to harm soft tissue.

If it was dangerous to soft tissue then you could not use it internally for any animal.

I do use it in my garden and on the barn floor.

Nancy

 

[sundance]

I use it liberal when I change the hay in my chicken coop. Since I haven't ever seen a honey bee anywhere near the coop i don't worry about them. I also rub a good handful on the chicken roosts, my only problem is if I give my little dogs too much, it sorta gives them the runs, big dogs no problems.But there is a big difference from a 7 lb Yorkie to a 200 lb great dane. marrie I forgot(senior moment) I plant marigolds in my garden for the bugs so I don't have a need for DE in the garden, and I have gianias for the bugs to

 

[speckledhen]

Used food grade DE for years with no ill effects. I use it in feed to keep bugs out (well, kill the ones that may get in) and in the nests to kill any mites or lice that may find their way in.