?Diatomaceous? earth and question about run

[The Kid Farmer]

Diatomaceous earth... I heard of it somewhere but I have no idea what it is, and should I use it in my chicken coop? The run? Also, we are using shavings inside the coop, but are we also supposed to use it in the run? or just leave it as dirt.

Thanks!

 

[cherrynberry]

Nope, I don’t use DE. It can be used to prevent grain mites, but pretty much nothing else, outside of that.

 

[topochico225]

Diatomaceous earth... I heard of it somewhere but I have no idea what it is, and should I use it in my chicken coop? The run? Also, we are using shavings inside the coop, but are we also supposed to use it in the run? or just leave it as dirt.

Thanks!

Nah, don’t use it. Not worth it if your climate veers toward humid, and can be very harmful towards the chickens’ lungs and your lungs. Also doesn’t do anything ime

About the run, leave it as dirt unless it gets super muddy/swampy. I’d throw some shavings in then.

 

[topochico225]

A belated welcome to BYC, by the way!

 

[The Kid Farmer]

@topochico225 thanks for the welcome! I will not use diatomaceous earth, but what is it, just out of curiosity?

 

[rosemarythyme]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

As for your run, some form of litter is advisable in most cases, sand and deep litter probably being the 2 most popular. If you start noticing issues with mud or odor, that'll be a sign that just dirt alone isn't going to cut it for you.

 

[topochico225]

@topochico225 thanks for the welcome! I will not use diatomaceous earth, but what is it, just out of curiosity?

It’s dehydrated shells of little prehistoric creatures called diatoms. They have jagged edges which tear up little insects and dehydrate their bodies, but also do the same to lungs.

 

[The Kid Farmer]

Okay thanks!

 

[DramaBrahmaMama]

Diatomaceous earth... I heard of it somewhere but I have no idea what it is, and should I use it in my chicken coop? The run? Also, we are using shavings inside the coop, but are we also supposed to use it in the run? or just leave it as dirt.

Thanks!

This is what was in a gardening forum.... They may not upload in order.
Be very careful putting it in the coop, I have read time and time again that it could cause respiratory issues in birds.