diatomaceous earth

[debilorrah]

We just bought our first bag of DE in hopes to cut down on the flies. Hubby used a sifter to spread it around, and in just one day the flies are minimal! I am now a believer!

 

[Winsor Woods]

I've always known that DE cuts down on mites/fleas, but can anyone explain how it does it? I just bought a bag yesterday and was just really curious about what exactly DE is and how it works.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[the oasis]

We have dust bath area that is under a little shed-type platform, so the diatom. earth, mixed with sand, stays dry. It gathers sunshine, so there is always a crowd at the Dust Bowl.
In addition, I keep a flour sifter in the bucket and add a little into the nest boxes now and then. The non-layers and the roosters get a quick grab by the feet, then, hang upside down. When they relax I dust into the feathers. Just go easy, because diatom. earth can cause lung problems like any other dust. You are never going to have a totally pest-free coop.

 

[Californichicken]

From what I understand, diatomaceous earth is ground up seashells from really small sea creatures. The shell fragments are razor sharp and cut the exoskeleton of bugs, flies, mites, ticks.... causing their insides to leak out and they dehydrate and die.
This only works on animals with an exoskeleton and won't harm people or larger animals. I use it around our cat, our kids and am so happy to have an alternative to nasty chemicals. I hadn't thought of using it with the chicks (6 assorted 7 weekers)

 

[Lil Chickie Mama]

Quote:
This! I know it's not supposed to work when wet so I don't understand how it works on internal parasites but people swear by it. I have been using it since my kids graduated to the big coop and I haven't seen any hint of flea, mite, worm, or other nasty. I made it look like snow in there the other day and also picked up each bird and set them inside a 5 gallon bucket with a little in the bottom and massaged it all over them for good measure. They didn't particularly like that part, but it was worth it. It sure is funny when they start scratching into it though, white dust goes everywhere for a few days. I haven't seen my kids dust bathing but they do lay down a lot so I put a little extra in the places they like to sit. I've put it on my dog's food and on their food. For the dog I just add a tablespoon or so and try to coat each food nugget (or whatever it's called) and for the chickens I mix in a little with the grit and sprinkle it in and stir it up with their food. I also use ACV (apple cider vinegar) in the water so between that and the DE my chickens are happy and healthy.