Diatomaceous Earth

[TwoDogFarm]

I've seen Diatomaceous Earth at my local feed store but have never been quite sure what it is for. I've done a little research and it looks like it's supposed to keep down bugs. Does this include flies? We have a terrible fly infestation in our coop now.

Talk to me about your experiences with Diatomaceous Earth--whether you like it, don't like it, how you use it, etc.

Also, how does this compare to PDZ? That's what I've been using. We have ducks too so the coop is never fully dry.

 

[Messipaw]

I love DE. Do a search for it on BYC. Search for DE as well as diatomaceous earth. You will find lots of good info. I use DE and PDZ. I find that PDZ works well to control the ammonia odor. I use it in my coop a nice amount under the roost boards. I also mix PDZ and DE through out the coop bedding. Everywhere else I use DE. On the roost bars, in cracks and crevices, mixed in their dirt bath and sprinkled all over and through out their pen. Because it coats the poop it does not attract flies. I use DE for so many other gardening and house hold purposes as well. I also put some in a old sock and directly dust my hens with it for a little added mites and lice prevention. I also use it on my cats and dogs as added flea and tick controlling add it to all my pets feed as well to keep dry. It's natural and safe for them all to eat. Make sure you only use food grade DE NOT pool grade. Only food grade. I also wear a mask because it is dusty and should not be inhaled.
Hope this helps.

 

[TwoDogFarm]

It does. Thanks.

So what about if it gets wet? Like I said, I have a hard time keeping it dry because my ducks like to splash around a lot in their water. Whenever I put down PDZ, not long after, the coop is soaking wet again, which I'm pretty sure affects how well it works.

 

[Messipaw]

Yes both products are meant to work dry. You could mix these with wood shavings to help absorb the duck mess.

 

[TwoDogFarm]

Ok. Sounds like a plan. Thanks again.

 

[aart]

Ok. Sounds like a plan. Thanks again.

Make sure it's food grade and 100% DE....some products labeled DE are 80% clays.

I don't like to put it anywhere it will become easily airborne...not good stuff to breath...I put it under the straw in the nests and in the feed can if I see grain mites.

I'd keep duck dipping water outside in the run...a wet coop is not a good thing for the chickens.
Ducks can drink out of horizontal nipples, might be a solution for in the coop

 

[TwoDogFarm]

Make sure it's food grade and 100% DE....some products labeled DE are 80% clays.

I don't like to put it anywhere it will become easily airborne...not good stuff to breath...I put it under the straw in the nests and in the feed can if I see grain mites.

I'd keep duck dipping water outside in the run...a wet coop is not a good thing for the chickens.
Ducks can drink out of horizontal nipples, might be a solution for in the coop

How much can they eat?

 

[aart]

Quote: Not sure what you mean...how much can they eat?

 

[enola]

Your fly problem is caused by the constant moisture in the litter. You need to put the duck's water in the run.

 

[yudash2000]

We had a horrible pincher (earwig) but problem this year at the end of winter. I dusted the coop areas after cleaning it, then changed straw, etc. Now the coop is "almost" pest free. Still a couple critters here and there, but for the most part it keeps the moisture down and bugs away. Definitely a benefit to the environment!