Food Grade DE / Deep Litter Method?

[m2wandc]

in the learning center (chickens 101)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/raising-chickens-basics.php

there is a page talking about deep litter method and food grade DE....I'm curious what the benefits are of food grade DE and why bother...does it help decompose the wood shavings/poop or smell??? what is it's purpose?

 

[toletiquesbysam]

Helps with Smell, mites, lice and I'm sure more!

 

[Pumpkinpup]

It helps with the smell, helps dry out the litter and also helps control the fly and mite population.

 

[thekla]

OK - I want to use DE for mites etc but when I tried to buy it and asked for "food Grade" the sale people looked totally confused - said DE was DE - not for food ? and once you get it - sprinkle it on bedding? under bedding? also - someone here posted that used coffee grounds were a natural wormer - if true, how is that used? sprinkled in bedding? on food? anyone know for sure?

 

[Tala]

Sure it's for food. Some kind even have pictures right on the bag of the animals you are supposed to feed it to!

 

[m2wandc]

How often do you (or those that use this deep litter method) actually take EVERYTHING out and start fresh?

 

[ZepChick]

i know that DE is supposed to be really great stuff, but make sure you wear the proper respiratory equipment. According to our package, a PAPR respirator mask is to be used. I am not sure if different brands are different sizes of particles (?), but make sure and read the package directions and don't breathe that stuff into your lungs, I am just posting that here cuz no one ever told me, and I used several times before I read the directions (my own fault) and wished I would have known.

 

[m2wandc]

Quote:
I always wonder about the things we are supposed to use safety equiptment for but it's OK for our animals to breath??? Doesn't really make sense does it???

 

[ZepChick]

no it doesn't....after I used it I did notice some white powder up around their nostrils, too. I suppose it's more about an accumulation of exposures, and we have alot longer lifespan than chickens. Didn't mean to kill your thread though.... so does anyone know how often to change DE?

 

[Dawn419]

Quote:
Hi and Welcome to BYC!

When y'all get a chance, check out two of the BYC pages that I've put together:

Food Grade DE and DLM/Deep Litter Method

Both of these pages are from my experiences using both since May 2007 and I hope they'll be some help to you. If not, don't hesitate to PM me or reply here with your questions!


Dawn