Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Info!

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I use DE in my nest boxes, its what saved my broodies and chicks from being overcome by mites while they were sitting on eggs and hatching chicks.

But, I also put Sevin dust on the coop floor under the shavings, so I'm sure that helps too.

I get DE with calcium bentonite (sp) added, so its also a source of calcium. It can be used as an anti-caking agent in feed. It does help dry out manure and make it inhospitable to maggots IF YOU SPRINKLE IT ON THE POO or add quite a bit to the bedding. However, I'm of the opinion that it doesn't work for intestinal parasites or do any traveling thru the chicken since the directions on the package specify to keep it dry. And REAPPLY AFTER RAINS, ect.

I think its an excellent preventative, and great to use in a snap to help CONTROL pests when you can't use a pesticide. But, it doesn't seem to be the miracle cure all alot of people make it out to be. I always keep a container handy.

 

[3littlechickies]

Thanks!!

 

[dawg53]

The most I can say right now is that it doesn't see to hurt anything.

You're right. DE is hyped and a waste of money.
Sand keeps everything dry and wont wash away like dirt and DE does in a rainstorm, sand dries quick after a storm (think beach.) Sand cuts down on flies and other insects (see any flies on a beach unless there's something dead laying around?) A pickup truck load of sand is cheaper than a 40 pound bag of DE. Sevin dust will take care of external parasites, it contains 5% carbaryl and the other 95% is DE...for all the folks that must have DE !