Diatomaceous earth

[Birdsong 82]

Sounds to me like they’re trying to sell product. I’ve heard a lot of those claims but I’ve also heard the opposite about DE I don’t know much about people or animals ingesting it. Read a little bit on it but don’t know enough about it to actually try it or comment on it but For respiratory it is bad to breathe it in a lot. I’ve heard a lot of people say that it helps with worms in chickens but I’ve also heard a lot of people say that that is very untrue. Luckily I’ve never had to worry about worms with my chickens so never had to really look into that

 

[Birdsong 82]

I am often confused about DE. I find information on it and then find other information saying the exact opposite. So I always have it around but mainly only for my garden

 

[HoopyFrood]

Im confused.
https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/diatomaceous-earth-a-natural-remedy-for-troubled-chickens

You aren't the first (nor the last) to be confused by it

Short story is there are a advocates for using DE in ways that contradict peer reviewed data (in favor of anecdotal evidence), and then there are those that agree with the peer reviewed data.

As RT mentioned many of the high-profile promoters of DE as a panacea have a financial interest in selling DE products.

Current state of the data (as LG mentioned) it's benign when ingested by large animals. I'd add benign does NOT equal beneficial; there is no peer reviewed evidence that supports that position. Very few organisms can metabolize silica (I believe some sedges and lichens can). DE is also fatal to many insects and gastropods, which is why it is largely used as an additive to commercial feed - to protect feed from pests.

It is widely recognized that inhaling DE can cause silicosis and other pulmonary problems.

Most important: do NOT take my word on it. Just do your own research. Be wary of information from sources that are connected with the DE promotion business or sources concerned with self-promotion (e.g. well known bloggers and self-styled chicken experts).

 

[4 ever Orpington]

Does anyone know if it is okay to give week old chicks straight diatomaceous earth for dust baths?

 

[getaclue]

You're getting a lot of input, a lot of which is about older birds, not chicks. No, don't put DE in with chicks. There is very little benefit using it with older birds, but there is a large risk factor, so it's not worth it. Just because someone does it, does not mean it's actually beneficial.

 

[drumstick diva]

I would NEVER use DE period, too many bad things associated with it. I got some many years ago via mail- read all the "propaganda" saying how wonderful it was, and didn't find any of that to be true. Then read about breathing problems etc.

 

[junkman56]

I am often confused about DE. I find information on it and then find other information saying the exact opposite. So I always have it around but mainly only for my garden

what do you do with it in your garden?
thank you

 

[TwoCrows]

what do you do with it in your garden?
thank you

A couple of years ago, the dog turned up with fleas. He has an outdoor dog run, so I could only assume he was picking them from his run. I didn't have any lawn bug dust on hand, but I did have DE. I didn't know if it would work in this situation, I sprinkled it anyway. The dog was flea free the rest of that year!

 

[Stevo77]

I keep reading people saying that DE dust is bad for your respiratory system. ANY kind of dust is bad for respiratory system. That's why they make dust mask. I use DE and feel that it works. To all the naysayers that say it doesn't work, you can find tons of info that supports their claim. To all the believers, you can also find tons of info that says it works. Make your own judgement. This has been debated for years on this site and many others and likely will forever.

 

[Beer can]

I use free wood ashes for dust baths. And the deep litter