Diatomatous earth and odor?

[chuckzoo]

I found the following information on a chicken supply website about diatomatoius earth - is this true that it will control odor if fed to chickens?;





Detailed Description
Perm-Guard Fossil Shell Flour is the purest Diatomaceous Earth on the market. Fossil Shell Flour should be added at a rate of 2% of the weight of the feed fed for full efficiency. This addition to the feed will improve livability of chicks and laying hens. You will find improved egg shell integrity, feed conversion and improved internal parasite control. Chickens fed FSF have no odor and flies will not hatch in the droppings. Dusting the hen house, nest, and areas your chickens dust themselves will control their mites. It is an inexpensive OMRI Certified Organic additive for animal feed that will save you money.
Thanks,
Jenny

 

[The Chicken Man]

Diatomaceous Earth is a great way to control parasites, fleas, ticks, worms, etc, when used as a dust. When fed, it acts as a wormer, and it is true it will reduce odor, although it does not completely eliminate it. Flies will die on contact with the feces of animals fed Diatomaceous Earth. I have not heard of it "improving eggshell integrity", but it is possible.

Make sure you use food grade Diatomaceous Earth. Use no more the 5% of the volume of feed that is is being mixed into (one tablespoon for every twenty). I would recommend 2 tbsp. or 2.5% however.

 

[pipermark]

When fed, it acts as a wormer. Just understand there are no studies that support that statement.

It controls odor and all the things previously stated because of it ability to absorb so much moisture.

Most parasites and bacteria do not enjoy a dry environment, in fact, it kills them.

You could use a form of lime for this, but DE, in my experience, is more absorbent and is packed full of minerals , so if the birds ingest it, you get additional benefits.

 

[chuckzoo]

That sounds good! Would they need more water i.e. does it absorb water in the gut? One of my chickens could do with a little more water absorption in the gut if you know what I mean - and she can be rather smelly too!
I have seen a price online 10lbs for $27 shipping included. Is that a good price or could someone recommend a good source?
Thanks!