Diatomaceous Earth can it be used as a water sterilizer?

[emartin]

I remember a few posts with people claiming that D.E. can also be used in the chickens water supply to help sterilize it from any potential bacteria build up.

Is there any truth to this? D.E. is a saline insecticide, so wouldn't it just dissolve in the water and nothing more happens? Or does it actually kill bacteria?

I ask because occassionally the chickens will stand or sleep on top of the metal waterers and get crap in the water. We do our best to keep the water clean and to remove any feces and clean out the waterers if the water got fouled from the waste.

So if D.E. can be used for that, how much per gallon should I add? I was thinking of adding about 1teaspoon per gallon to start if it does work.

~Ed

 

[ging3rhoffman]

I never heard that. I would think it would only make for dirty water. Ive only heard of using Apple Ciger Vinegar in the water. 1 TBPS per gallon.

DE was sprinkled in the food. We use hanging waterers, when the chicken tries to jump up on it...he cant. Ive never seen a chicken on our waterers, no poo in the water either.

 

[tdgill]

I realize that this is an old post but found it to be a very interesting question. And seems to me to be a very good one. I am gonna vote yes. Any confirmations?

 

[chickeepoo]

I 've read for a couple years now that Oxine in the water prevents a variety of diseases as well as keeps down the bio-slime, plus used in a fogger disinfects coops and even cures some respiratory ailments… google it. 200x stronger than bleach and biodegrades to ordinary table salt… I never got around to ordering mine and wish I had it right now.

As for the DE, I thought it was for dry application and became basically useless in powder form when it gets wet. Anyone with experience on this out there?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:

Wet DE is useless. DE is a dessicant, meaning it is very effective at drying things. THAT is how it works as an insecticide. It causes insects to dehydrate and die. It has no effect on bacteria (or at least it has never been tested on bacteria). DE has a cult-like following--I've heard people claim that it cures and prevents everything, to and including cancer (all forms) and HIV. There is one born every minute...don't let it be you.

DE has its uses. I mix it heavily into the bedding in my coops. It may help prevent bugs (I also spray with real insecticides, though), and is not harmful for the birds to eat as permethrin powder would be. It also helps dry the coops which is an issue as I have flood irrigation throughout my yard; every 2 weeks in summer and every 4 weeks in winter they are completely flooded. I also use it to stop bleeding and to cover ant piles.

 

[dawg53]

Sonoran Silkies is absolutely correct about DE. It's useless when wet and useless as a wormer. It may inhibite lice/mites, but not treat them. It's great for drying out a wet pen or coop. I've heard it cures arthritis, strenthens bones and makes you Superman/Superwoman. Gullibility is alive and well.

 

[birdsNbeesNseeds]

Yep, DE is no good wet. There is quite a bit of misinformation out there. If you need to clean your waterers use dish soap/water and scrub, or put a SMALL amount of household bleach in the water. About 8 drops to a gallon will sanitize CLEAR water.

 

[tdgill]

Did I read somewhere that you can mix DE and water and use as a white wash though? That when it dries back out it will be a useful application?

Thanks for clarifying btw. I keep thinking that the DE silica is what "cuts away" at the insects waxy body, with sharp silica similiar to the dangerous pool grade formula. Now that I'm focusing on the "drying" properties and not any abrassive properties I feel more comfortable using it.

But once again, if it is totally useless WET... I wonder how/if it can be useful in any feeding applications, human or animal.