DE Poll - Do you use it? For how long have you used it?

[mrsgibber]

Quote:
Do a search in the forum for Diotomaceous Earth (I'm sure I've spelled it wrong, which is why I refer to it as DE)

 

[GardeNerd]

As an organic gardener for the past 15, I have chosen not to use it. I had used the food grade stuff in the past, maybe 10 years ago, to control bugs like ants and earwigs. It only helped slightly. I stopped using it in my garden because it also killed my earthworms and centipedes.

I want to compost my chicken manure. My compost is full of redwigglers, and I don't want to kill them by adding manure with DE in it. I also figured if we shouldn't breath it, neither should the chickens. When they dust bath they kick up the dust. Then they will breath it because they won't be wearing any mask. I know folks here like it and report good results, but nope, not for me.

Just because a product is natural and organic, doesn't mean it is a healthy choice. I am glad you are taking a poll and researching before using something. Many folks hear "organic" and think it should be fine.

Outside of BYC, the locals chicken keepers and feedstores around here don't advocate using it.

I am controlling the flies through regular cleaning and aluminum screens in addition to the hardware cloth on all the openings on the coop and run. I also pick up after my dog everyday. I will treat worms as needed when I notice symptoms.

Good luck with your personal decision.

 

[mrsgibber]

Quote:
Thank you, it's really important to me to hear all sides. I was going to compost the manure as well so that is now a factor.

 

[chickie momma di]

Hi
I've (my birds) have been using it for about 3 mos. and so far no ill effects. They do love to dust bathe in it. I mix it with dirt in their bath box. I put some in their food for a wormer and put it in their run and coop to keep the flies down and keep things dry. As long as you don't use too much shouldn't be a problem. Don't use it where you will have bees.... like on flowers cause it will kill them. Good for slugg and cutworm control and will take care of many other pests. Won't hurt worms again as long as you don't use too much. In garden let worms turn it in themselves at own pace. My older birds are 9 mos old and the baby is just 4 weeks Sat. and has been arround it since birth.
Like anything else use in moderation but if you decide to add it to feed be consistant. i herd it's bad to use then stop, use then stop.
There is a great website with both pros and cons listed. I forgot the name but i found it by going to ask.com and putting in de or diatametios (spelling) earth. I think it was called wolf something.....
It is a farm that has been using it for many years. Very informative. If i can find it again I'll post the site address.
Just make sure if you do it to use only food grade marked bags of the product. Don't buy online way too expensive.
good luck

correct spelling is diatomaceous earth

 

[mrsgibber]

Thanks, if you do find the site I'd love to get it.

 

[NancyDz]

Is this the one you are talking about?

http://www.wolfcreekranch.net/defaq.htm


I have used DE for 4 years now.

I mix it in my chicken feed at 5% and put it in their coop . I've not had mites or flies at all.

My dogs get it in their food also and so do I . None of us have had worms or mite's either.

I use it for myself as more of a colon cleanser. I lost my dad to colon cancer and decided to try this. I will say it definitely makes me feel less sluggish than if I don't use it.

In the garden I usually apply in a wet solution with a sprayer, I just find that it sticks better and there isnt the dust issue then. It's been real effective for aphids and in my veggie garden. I have not noticed decreased earthworms at all as I dig them up for fishing and for
my chickens at least once or twice a month. My straw from my coop goes into a compost pile and that is where I find my earthworms. I usually avoid spraying during pollination so that bees arent affected and for most plants I spray around the plant on the ground.. not on the leaves except for roses, tomatoes and peppers as those seem to attract the undesirable bugs the most in my garden. I have used it with much success for ants in my windowsills and under my sink as that is where they seem to come in to my house.

My feedstore sells it in 50# bags or in the bins where you can buy whatever amount you want. It's also sold here in organic gardening stores.

I dont use it with chicks but wait until they are in the coop so I'd say 6 weeks is the earliest they get it.

Only negative I've encountered is the dust but since I started the wet application I havent noticed. In the chicken coop I keep it as close to the ground as possible so it hasnt been an issue. I guess the other negative is that it's hard to find sometimes as it always sells out around here. I usually just order a 50# bag from the feedstore when I'm getting low.. but it lasts a LONG time.


Nancy

 

[Dawn419]

Do you use Food Grade DE in your coop, feed, run, etc.?

I use Food Grade DE in all of the above plus under the rabbit hutches. I also make a whitewash from it to paint the roosts (as a lice/mite deterrent).

If so, for how long have you used it?

2 years

At what age did you start to use it?

8 weeks old the first time and have been using just a bit in the brooder recently. I make sure to put it down on the floor of the brooder then add about 6" of Pine or Aspen shavings. It's helped to keep down the chickeny smell since our brooder is in the house and haven't had any problems with the chicks suffering any type of respiratory problems.

What benefits have YOU noticed since using it?

Our birds have never had any problem with lice, mites or intestinal worms. Fewer flies even though our 2 acres is surrounded by various other livestock. Friends and neighbors are always amazed when they visit that it doesn't smell like we have chickens.

Any negatives you've experienced?

None, so far.


Hope this is some help!


Dawn

 

[EweSheep]

With my DE in the compost pile and flower garden, I do find earthworms aplenty! Maybe it has to do something when DE gets wet, its ineffective. I dont know how true it is but when the birds eats DE with feed, would their bodily fluids make it ineffective too? I dont see any evidence of it. However DE will NOT take out major diseases and illnesses as some folks thought it would be a "cure-all".

I put DE on slugs that has been crawling on my chicken coop at night and by morning, they were dead.

Make sure you get food grade, NOT pool grade!

 

[mrsgibber]

Quote:

 

[mrsgibber]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I am definitely leaning towards using it. I'll wait until my chicks are 8 weeks before I sprinkle it in the coop, but is it too young still to put it in their feed?