DE.....what, where, when, how, why?

[Chickchix]

Okay, so I'm getting the coop ready to move the girls out as soon as winter really leaves, and I saw lots of "DE" posts. For the litter, in the food, dust baths... My questions are:
1. when do the chicks need the DE?
2. Do I just sprinkle it in the food?
3. Does it go into the bedding?

?????????????????????????

 

[airmom1c05]

1. The sooner the better
2. no
3. no

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=70

There was a lively discussion about DE and all it's uses on this thread. Enjoy!

 

[Dawn419]

You can also check out the food grade DE page that I'm working on...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1560-Food_Grade_DE

I've listed most all of the ways I use it here. I do use it in brooder bedding, now that I keep it on hand, and it has cut the smell down immensely...compared to the first time we kept chicks indoors.

Hope this helps!

Dawn

 

[Chickchix]

Thank you both so much. GREAT information! I can't wait to move my girls outside with their DE and deep litter digs!