Finally found DE...NOW, how much do I use?

[Yard full o' rocks]

Local Farm Supply store finally got DE in today. I purchased a 50lb bag. Now I need to know how/how much to use, please. I have 3 coops, 2 are 6ft x 8ft (grown birds in them) and 1 that is 4ft x 6ft that I use as my "grow up" coop. Can anyone suggest how much I should use in each? Can you use too much?

THANKS!!!

 

[wildorchid053]

you want almost invisible dusting on top of the shavings you use... you don't want to breathe it or your chickens.. they can mix it in for you or you can turn the d/e into the shavings.. it really dries the poop and keeps mite, fleas etc away..we use it for deep litter method.. when the coop starts to smell we add another layer of d/e and more shavings and rotate the shavings again with a rake. i have heard you can put a snack on it and let the chickens dig and rotate for you..if it is too dry and dusty where you live you can spritz the dryness with a spray bottle of water to dampen it.. but never water log it..