Diatomaceous Earth - To Use Or Not To Use

[juliect]

My first shot at raising chickens after a 17 year break and I am trying to do it as organically as possible....Does anyone use food grade Diatomaceous Earth? Has anyone experienced problems with it?

Half of my research says it is great to add to food for worms, and also for dusting chickens and houses for insect control. The other half of my research says not to use it at all because it can irritate chickens' respiratory systems. Even our veterinarian said not to put it in feed because it can cause constipation.

Help! I am confused.

 

[Chauntecleer's Keeper]

I have had good success with DE to get rid of flies in my barn yard, but I have not fed it to any of my animals. I predict that you will hear both sides. Some people have strong opinions on DE.

 

[skiznap]

For some information on some older DE posts, go to the index, then to FAQ. Scrolls down and there are links to some DE posts. I use it in nest boxes and the coop, and sometimes in the run. I haven't noticed any decrease in the fly population, but none of the ladies have had problems with lice or mites. good luck.

skip

 

[juliect]

Thanks!

 

[TXmom]

I just starting using Food Grade DE about a month ago, and I've definitely noticed a reduction in bugs. I sprinkle it in the shavings, in the nest boxes, and on the roosts...and sometimes a little sprinkle in the feeder. I used to have ants (under the feeder and waterer), flies, gnats, etc in the coop...but not any more.

I also like the "peace of mind" feeling it gives me that I'm doing something to prevent lice, mites, parasites, etc. I still keep an eye on my girls and watch for those things, but I haven't seen any of it yet.

 

[cluckychick]

I use it liberally in my runs, helps dry up the poo and keeps the smell away.

 

[Brassmaster]

Here is my two cents worth on this. We have used food grade DE in the coops, runs and dust baths with no bad side affects. We haven't been doing this long enough for that to be the definitive word on it but everything I have read on food grade has been positive as far as its' use. Now one thing we have started doing since food grade DE is rather expensive is to start using Stall Dry in the coop floors and to dry up wet areas on the runs and such. Stall Dry also is DE (not food grade) but it costs 1/2-2/3 what food grade DE does. Don't know if this helps. Feel free to ask for a refund of a penny if this wasn't worth two cents....

 

[threehorses]

This is my opinion having used it for years and years:

DE is a useful product when used for its forte', and not used a miracle cure all. It should be freshwater human grade only - never pool or garden grade. Only good enough to be consumed by humans.

DE is a dust. All dusts are harmful to poultry and humans and other animals if inhaled. DE because of its nature (a fossil ground into powder) is a little more sharp. For that reason, I never apply it to the bird because they stick their faces in their feathers to groom. (And for other reasons listed below). I feel more confident in permethrin dust on the poultry as it has a different weight and sticks to them better, and even then I really ruffle the feathers to get the loose dust to fall.

Always wear a dust mask (with any powder) and remove birds from the coop when applying. Use under the bedding, put the bedding back on top. Use in the bedding, but stir in well. Use in their dust bathing area, but stir in very well.

I've used it as a worm control method. It will NOT prevent worms. Not even wormers will. It possibly reduces the number of larvae that are passed and thus possible reduces the number of worms overall available in the environment (when used in bedding and dust baths as well). You should never see it, and it should be used at 2% of the total weight of the food or less.

You should still worm twice a year for prevention. It may help keep you from having to worm five times a year, or worm because of an infestation.

As for parasites, it should NOT be used to treat an infestation. For that, you should use permethrin dusts on the bird,under the bedding, pretty much every way DE was describe above except add to that using on the bird. (Wear a dust mask, protect their nostrils/eyes/mouth when applying). You must repeat in 7 days with any mite/lice treatment. THEN use DE to keep numbers down. But know that wild birds can bring in mites and lice in a day - they hatch that quickly. So check your birds no less than monthly for both lice and mites (at night when mites feed onthe birds).

If you understand the strengths of DE and use accordingly, I feel it can be of great benefit to a flock. I highly dislike seeing DE touted as a worm treatment and a parasite treatment. That's taking a wonderful product and putting expectations on it that cannot be fulfilled, possibly turning people off of a very useful product that is more natural and I feel makes a different in a barnyard.

It's not superman, but it's a good hard worker if used correctly.

IMHO
Nathalie

 

[juliect]

Quote:
LOL. That may be worth 3 cents

I have never heard of Stall Dry. I will give it a try....Thanks for the advice!

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Stall dry rocks! Just sayin'.