DE question - is this the right stuff?

[6of6chicks]

I've been reading the threads about coop bedding and DE. I use pine shavings in the coop and love it, but was also thinking of adding DE as well. I want to make sure I'm getting the right stuff. We have a Tractor Supply here, and is this the right stuff to buy?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...atomaceous-earth-with-calcium-bentonite-20-lb

My girls are only 7 weeks old. Is that too young to use this around them? Will the calcium be a problem? (I'm not planning to put in feed - just bedding & dust bath).

If it's okay, how much should I use in a 4' x 6' coop with pine shavings? Do I just sprinkle it over the top & fluff it in? How often?

I'm also going to build them a large dust bath area - same size, under the coop, out of peat moss & a little sand. Should I add some in there as well? How much?

 

[jetdog]

I would wait until they are older, I sprinkle it in my run and coop, no exact measurement, I put more in the run just a good coating. Don't start flinging it when your birds are close I usually let them out for a while when I do it this stuff is wicked dusty probably good if you don't breathe it either. My run is covered in sand so I don't have a dust bath as the whole run is a dust bath. In the coop just mix it up with the shavings, again no exact measurement.

 

[aart]

I've been reading the threads about coop bedding and DE. I use pine shavings in the coop and love it, but was also thinking of adding DE as well. I want to make sure I'm getting the right stuff. We have a Tractor Supply here, and is this the right stuff to buy?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...atomaceous-earth-with-calcium-bentonite-20-lb

My girls are only 7 weeks old. Is that too young to use this around them? Will the calcium be a problem? (I'm not planning to put in feed - just bedding & dust bath).

If it's okay, how much should I use in a 4' x 6' coop with pine shavings? Do I just sprinkle it over the top & fluff it in? How often?

I'm also going to build them a large dust bath area - same size, under the coop, out of peat moss & a little sand. Should I add some in there as well? How much?

I believe that product is mostly bentonite clay...if you really want to use DE, get the pure stuff.
I can get it at my feed mill for a dollar pound.