Dumb questions---sorry

[Peavy]

I keep seeing y'all mention DE, which I finally figured out was Diatomaceous Earth. Why and how would one use it? Also, I don't have a droppings board for my 8 hens in a 6X12 indoor coop attached to a 8x16 outdoor run. Do I need one? I live in Reno where it is EXTREMELY dry. I just have very deep straw indoors and change it spring and fall, in the meantime I just stir the droppings under the roost into the existing straw and it dries out and dissipates. Is this bad? Thanks!!!

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Some people use DE as a parasite and/or bug prevenntative both externally and internally. And it dries out litter keeping the coop drier and reduces smell. Some people think it is a waste of money.

It is sprinkled in the coop on the floor and in the food.

You do not need a dropping board. Some people find it is helpful in keeping the poop cleaned up.

Sounds like you are doing fine.

Imp

 

[ArizonaNessa]

The only dumb question is the one not asked. Imp pretty much answered but I just thought I would add that if you use DE make sure you use food grade and not pool grade.

 

[Imp]

Quote:
Good Point,

Thanks for catching that ArizonaNessa.

Imp

 

[tammyd57]

In a very dry climate, you won't need to use the DE in their litter. And the deep litter method you are using does not need a dropping board. Stirring the litter occasionally is all that is needed, and your chickens will do that for you if you throw a handful of scratch or black oil sunflower seeds into their coop for them to dig around and find. This is how I manage my coop litter. It's extremely dry here too and I also use straw.