Diatomaceous Earth Question

[Tenderft chick]

Hi, I just bought some DE from Menards, want to make sure this would be ok to use in the coop? I added the link from the supplier with their information on the product.

http://www.stgl.us/gstore/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=&idproduct=4023

My next question is - what is the best way to apply this in and around the coop to keep the flies and pests down? Does this help with the smell at all?

Thanks.

 

[flnatv]

Same stuff I have... I bought food grade and am feeding to the dogs and cats as well.
Sprinkled it in the coop, but don't know how well it works yet... it hasn't been that long.

 

[Tenderft chick]

What is the best way to spread around coop.?

My one dog loves to eat chicken poop, should I be concerned if she gets in the coop for dessert/snacks if I am using this type of DE as shown in first note?

 

[speckledhen]

Even humans ingest food grade DE (though I am skeptical of any benefits there), so it's safe for your dog, yes. I use a parmesan cheese shaker to sprinkle it in nests and under the roost occasionally. It only helps with odors in that it dries out poop, not that it has any deodorizing effect on its own, per se. Dry is always better.

 

[Pele]

You shouldn't inhale large amounts of DE, even food grade. Like most powdered substances (even sugar), your lungs won't appreciate it. Just wear a painter's face mask while you sprinkle it around the bedding.

It works perfectly, you'll love it. I've never had a mite on my chickens.

 

[SueSteeves]

I use an old flour sifter to spread it around the coop, a little in the nest box and a light sprinkling over the whole area with extra special attention to favorite poop spots. I have noticed a large difference in both smells and bugs since I started using DE with a bit of Sweet PDZ under the shaving everytime I clean out the coop as well. I is a magic combo over here

And so long as it is food grade anyone can ingest it so don't worry about your dog (mine loves chicken poo treats as well!)