Diatomaceous Earth

[Nugget_91]

What is everyone's thought on DE as a supplement.
How often do you add to feed?

 

[cavemanrich]

I do have DE food grade, but do not use it as feed supplement. I only use it as bottom layer on coop floor. (scrape thin layer) and cover that with about 1/2 inch, (about 1 cm) of Sweet PDZ. That is a stall freshener, for horses, but works very well in chicken coops. and cover that with a layer of hay. I used same method in my pigeon lofts.
The DE is there to control insects and mites that may be crawling on coop floor.
I also use the DE with caution, and wear a respirator mask when applying. If you would view it under a microscope, it resembles crushed glass. It controls the insects by cutting action on their body shells. (exoskeleton ) Best to avoid inhaling DE.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Nugget_91]

Thanks for the reply. I also use DE for the purpose of controlling mites and other pests but I was told that DE is good for treating and preventing worms in chickens and its supposed to be rich in minerals. Not sure how true this is but its something that I'm quite interested in finding out.