Diatomaceous Earth

[oystables]

Hi, Boys and Girls: I'm new. We bought a bag of DE and we were going to just fill a large, shallow pan with it so the chickens could fluff in it if they wanted. Is that ok.? It comes with all sorts of warnings on it and so my husband is concerned. Our 14 year old son is the poultry manager. And would be handling the stuff. I noticed some of you mentioned dust masks, which we have, but are they good enough?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Is it food grade? The other kind, usually sold for swimming pools, has been treated and is very dangerous for you, your child and the chickens. If you have the wrong kind, do not use it, just return it.

For the food grade type, people usually mix it into sand or dirt for a dust bath, rather than using it straight.

 

[silkiechicken]

If it has a ton of warnings.... I bet it's not food grade... You need the food grade type DE. You can even eat the food grade stuff yourself. Pool stuff kills.

 

[oystables]

It is food grade DE. I really like the mixing it with sand or dirt. We'll get some out of the kids' sand pile. Thanks you so much. What a relief!

 

[franfoley]

I bought my DE from my local feed store where I buy all my chicken feed and supply.

I got my DE from Carl Pools and was concerned because it did not say food grade. It said codex grade.

I was naturally concerned so I called the company that makes it and asked.

They told me yes it is food grade. When I talked to someone at a pet & feed store they told me that they also sell the same kind of DE and the reason "food grade" is not on the sack is because it would have to be approved by the FDA.

Approval would mean a lot of testing leading to a lot of expense.


I am going to try the DE in my chicken feed and in the litter in my coop.

My next problem is "What is the ratio of DE to feed?".

 

[Yonaton]

@franfoley

1 pound DE to 50 pounds of feed (the MSML or whatever it's called, recommends 2% to every 50 pounds of feed, thus .02 x 50 = 1). *How* you mix it, you're on your own. I'm sure everyone has their own way, heh heh.