Deep Litter Method.....

[amyloucarp]

What are the safety precautions for using DE? I just got off the phone with a man at a local feed store, they don't sell the DE I need and cautioned me about how deadly DE can be. He mentioned something about inhaling it. If it slices the insect to kill it, what do you think it would do if you inhale it while spreading it around? I couldn't answer him since I don't have any experience with it. What do you guys say about it? I'd like to try the DLM using the DE, but would also like to know the pros & cons of using the stuff. Please help. Thanks!

 

[Dawn419]

Here's some good information on food grade DE.

I'm also working on a personal page for how I've been using food grade DE.

I've been using it here since June. I don't usually bother using a dust mask when I spread or mix it.

I never use it if it is windy out either...it blows everywhere that you don't want it, found out the hard way.

I "sometimes" remember to grab up a pair of cotton garden gloves if I'm going to be mixing the DE into feed, by hand. I make sure to wash my hands after using it and don't see that my skin is any drier than normal.

Hope this is some help!

Dawn

 

[kstaven]

Blanket statements about DE are common and thus confuses the issue. People don't differentiate between FOOD GRADE DE and POOL FILTER DE or dustbane. The second group is potentially toxic and VERY abrasive to the skin etc..

So when you buy DE be sure it is food grade.

Straw will work for DLM depending on your climate. Where I live the best results come from using 60% straw and 40 % shavings. I clean twice a year and never get an ammonia smell. It works wether on wood, concrete or dirt. I have all three here.

 

[Mommyof2]

Hey you guys, I swear by Sweet PDZ, it is completley safe to the chickens and it absorbs the smells fast. It is classified as environmentally "Green".

 

[RoxannL]

Sorry but what is DE I know what DLM is but not DE?

Sorry new to this.

 

[RoxannL]

Ok what is Sweet PDZ too? LOL:/

 

[greginshasta]

Google is your friend:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS258US258&q=Sweet+PDZ

 

[WoodlandWoman]

DE is Diatomaceous earth.

 

[FarmerMack]

Quote:
DE is Diatomaceous earth a natural, non-chemical product consisting of broken up shells of tiny critters, called diatoms, which lived long ago and died in groups so massive that they are mined.

I went through the same thing when i first started using this site, people assume that everyone knows what the letters mean. Just make sure you use only food grade DE. Nothing wrong with being new

Farmer Mack

 

[RooptyDoo]

Quote:
We get that too. Just did a total cleanout and laid down fresh shavings. Seems that we have to do this about every 3-4 months. I don't use DE but would if I could find it locally. That could be why my coop gets an ammonia smell started.

I also have a wood floor with linoleum, so I thought that might also be the problem. It looks like several others also have this type of floor without the ammonia problem so I guess I just need to get some DE somewhere to help with the drying.