Diatomaceous earth--- Really that harmless?????

[Pele]

Quote:
Since your dusting your coop and your chickens will be exposed to it daily; they are closer to the ground and will be stirring it up by scratching through it...got masks for your chickens?

Lol now there is a mental image!

Please re-read my post, it specifies that NON-FOODGRADE DE is a carcinogen that people wear masks for. I was offering a solution to ease her mind when she uses it when I mentioned a mask. Also, people have been using Food grade DE for years without having their chickens randomly croak, I think that's all the imperical evidence that people need.

BUT, all that being said, if you firmly believe that it's going to kill everything it touches, don't use it. Simple. Easy. Peace of mind making.

 

[kara_leigh]

I'm confused.

I keep hearing conflicting stories on whether or not it works internally for worms/parasites. I bought some yesterday to eat least try to help with mites on my chickens and fleas/ticks on my dogs. There is a feed store near here that sells the food grade DE for $.93/lb. I bought 25lbs of it. We'll see how it goes I guess.

 

[nancypo]

I use a small amount of food grade DE in the coop mixed in with the pine shavings, works great! No bugs! I als also used it in smoothies my self, as a calcium supplement and keeps your tummy healthy. Don't add on a windy day and mix in while chickens are out. Much safer than insecticides (which I have never used). Clean and safe....

 

[MobyQuail]

Quote:

... bought DE today, taking a swig and adding you to my must read...

 

[chickbird]

Quote:
EVEN THE FOOD GRADE IS NOT HARMLESS, IT IS REALLY BAD ON HUMAN AND ANIMAL LUNGS IF INHALED, IT IS NOT EFFECTIVE TO FED TO CHICKEN FOR WORMS, IT ONLY CUTS WORMS IF IT IS DRY AND IT IS NOT AFTER BEING SWALLOWED. IF YOU PLACE IT AROUND IN YOUR CHICKEN HOUSES AND NESTS, YOU AND YOUR CHICKENS ARE GOING TO INHALE SOME OF THE DE.

 

[northerngirl]

I got a supplemental bag of sand for my run today from Home Depot and noticed that there was a big warning on the bag that it was a known carcinogen--sand, a known carcinogen. What isn't bad for you if sand can give you cancer?

I'm guessing in moderation, it (DE) can't be that bad; it is one of the primary ingredients in toothpaste, the little fossil critters help to keep your teeth clean already!!

 

[ChickenAl]

Quote:
I just picked up two more bags of medium/course sand at the HD today to add to the run. Now I have to look at the bags. Sheesh, we'll have to find an organic sand supplier now!

Looks like there is nothing safe anymore.

 

[chickbird]

Quote:
DE IS 80-90% SILICA, 2-4% ALUMINA, 0.5-2% FE(IRON), IT IS FROM A HARD SHELLED ALGAE. DON'T THINK YOU ARE GOING TO GET CALCIUM FROM THIS.

 

[NASIR]

THIS IS THE DISCRIPTION FOR Perma-Guard Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) 50lb. Bag
Online only Item# SPM4233493801 |Model# DE50LBS AT SEARS WEB SITE FOR $24.95 + SHIPPING


Product Description
DE is an abbreviation of the words "Diatomaceous Earth," which is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called Diatoms. Fossil Shell Flower

is made by Perma-Guard

and can be used for many things around the home and in agriculture. Food Codex Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an anti-caking agent that can be added to the dry weight of animal feed, which helps to remove parasites and worms that are otherwise difficult and expensive to remove by using other medications. Although this is a popular use among livestock, many people do not realize that it can also be used for their household pets. A more recent trend is to mix in a small amount of DE, Diatomaceous Earth, with your pets food which will then kill most infestations. Do your pets have problems with fleas and ticks? Try dusting a small amount of Diatomaceous Earth on their coat and watch as in just a few days your pets will be more comfortable and free of pests.

How does Diatomaceous Earth (DE) work? Diatomaceous Earth is made of fossilized microscopic hard shells and it is abrasive to small insects and will cause small lacerations on their waxy bodies causing them to lose moisture, dehydrate and die. The Diatomaceous Earth effectively creates a harsh environment for these pests and they will typically move out. Although this happens over a period of time it has shown to be highly effective in completely removing large infestations of insects, and all this at a low cost to you! How do I properly use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)? If you want to make a dietary supplement to keep your animals healthy it is important to remember that the amount of Diatomaceous Earth mixed into the dry weight of the food is not to exceed 2%. Although Diatomaceous Earth is non-toxic it is never a good idea to feed your animals too much of anything. The 2% of Diatomaceous Earth is typically more than enough to take care of any problems you may have, and you will probably be just fine with less than that. If you have problems with other pests around the home, in your yard, or around your livestock you can dust Diatomaceous Earth in and around the infested areas. Simply apply a fine layer of dust to remove unwanted pests from your home. You do not need to put a large amount, if there is a build-up of DE in the applied area you have probably used too much. You can purchase special dusters for this application which will make it much easier. Is Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Safe? You bet! Food Codex Grade Diatomaceous Earth is completely non-toxic. Remember to steer clear of the DE used in pool filters as it is not pure DE and is very toxic. Also because Diatomaceous Earth is a very fine powder, inhaling too much of it can irritate the lungs and cause coughing. Diatomaceous Earth also causes your skin to become dry if your skin is exposed to large amounts of DE. It is recommended that while working with DE you use a mask and gloves as a precaution and use DE in well ventilated areas.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

THIS IS THE DISCRIPTION FOR Perma-Guard Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE) 50lb. Bag
Online only Item# SPM4233493801 |Model# DE50LBS AT SEARS WEB SITE FOR $24.95 + SHIPPING

99% of what follows that statement is false.

Don't rely on info from SALESMEN​