DIATAMACEOUS EARTH - FOOD GRADE

[Gwenivere]

Hi:
I am new to this site and plan to get chickens this spring. I was reading some articles on this site about DE, as I was considering using it to keep the smell down around my chicken house. I read that people put this stuff in their chicken feed, on the chickens and around the coop. I googled "DE" and discovered that it can kill bees, as it destoys their exoskelton. Anything that can kill lice and such can certainly kill insects such as bees. That I definitely do not want to kill, and we need bees to survive, and they are disappearing in record numbers. Once the bees are gone, we will be too, as our food supply will disappear. I hope readers on this site read more about the DE to reconsider on whether to use it or not. That scares me that so many people think it is organic, kills insects, so it must be good - that is not true! Does anyone have a suggestion for something organic that would keep the smell down in and around the coop? Many thanks!

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

I think wood shavings are helpful in keeping the smell down. Just make sure you don't use cedar.

 

[b.hromada]

I think wood shavings are helpful in keeping the smell down. Just make sure you don't use cedar.

Give the wood shavings a try.

and

from S. Florida! So glad you joined us! I didn't realize about the bees? Good thing to remember. Although, its said to help with worms and such, if put in your chickens food.

 

[FlyRobinFly]

from Washington State!
That's great that you are doing research about what you use with your chickens. I am currently using a pelletized wood product that works well for smell control.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Super lola]

I use the deep litter method (think composting in the coop) using a combo of hay and very dry wood shavings. I rake around everyday to stir things up & sometimes I throw in a couple of handful's of torn mint. I have never had a odor problem and the girls are warm & dry. Your right bees are very important! I love people who read labels and do research.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[The Red Rooster]

Welcome to BYC. I have a bag of DE and I'm not sure if it would keep the smell down in your coop or not. You could try it.

~AnnElise

 

[Gargoyle]

I use deep litter and mix in some PDZ- it's a stall smell remover sold for horses, but its safe for chickens. It absorbs the ammonia.

 

[OldGuy43]

Howdy from Austin, Texas.