Diatomaceous Earth

[Jmay402]

Is it safe to put DE in the coop and around the coop if I have a hen raising 2 chicks? I would like to try to control some pests but I am scared I will hurt the babies. Also is it safe to use around the nest boxes? Would it taint the eggs in any way?

 

[robdog]

You can try DE in the litter just make sure you mix it so the DE isn't really the top layer. I always put DE inside my little brooder a little to control smell and dryness of the shavings. For me i wouldn't mine if DE got on the egg shells and i would just brush it off. If anything spread it around and mix it around with everything. Don't over do it so the top layer no matter how hard you try to chalky white powder.