DE question

[MamaB]

We have a chicken coop and goat barn enclosed by a big fence for the goats and chickens to run around in. I use DE in the coop and run and on the dirt floor of the goat barn. Since all the animals hang out mostly in the fenced in area, should I DE everywhere? Rake and DE? It's a pretty big area, but since they are all hanging out in there all day...there's a lot of poop!

Thanks!

 

[mnferalkitty]

I wouldn't spread it everywhere because once it gets wet from rain or pee it is useless and you would be wasting it, I put DE in the dust holes the chickens have dug they seem to have favorite spots for this

 

[KDK1]

I wouldn't spread it everywhere because once it gets wet from rain or pee it is useless and you would be wasting it, I put DE in the dust holes the chickens have dug they seem to have favorite spots for this

It's only useless WHILE it's wet. Once it dries out again, it's fine. Farmers have been white-washing the insides of barns with it for years.

 

[ChickNhood]

I wouldnt put it any area that is not covered... I dont think its neccesart in the yard...simply racking would be sufficient

 

[Stephanie739]

If I have a lot of DE, I use a lot

I also like to put it in the dust bathing holes the chicks have made. I have tossed it all over the coop and small run at times too and I would do the same in the big run if I had enough! I like DE.

 

[triplepurpose]

For lice and mites, I'm assuming?

That's what I use it for. I scatter it around everywhere in the covered part of my coop (not the pastures), but especially the places where they spend the most time or pass through the most, like roosts, feeders, nest boxes, doorways, etc.

 

[Stephanie739]

For lice and mites, I'm assuming?

That's what I use it for. I scatter it around everywhere in the covered part of my coop (not the pastures), but especially the places where they spend the most time or pass through the most, like roosts, feeders, nest boxes, doorways, etc.

I use it for fleas too. My little dogs hang out with the chickens and sometimes even sleep in the coop with them

 

[MamaB]

Thanks, everyone for your replies! I will be sprinkling it in the dusting holes the chickens have made. I hear DE is good for goats to eat...keeps worms in check?