Food Grade DE / Deep Litter Method?

[Judy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1198

This is a good starter on educating yourself about DE. Please do not use DE unless you research it. It is controversial and not necessarily safe. I use it, but with reservation.

Most people find they have to order it online to get food grade. Feed store people typically have no idea what the whole picture is. DE used for pools will kill our chicks and maybe you; not the same thing at all. This site sells food grade DE and will explain the difference: http://www.custommilling.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=27

Deep litter can be added to, and not changed, for as long as a year. DE in it will help control both odors and mites/lice. But agricultural lime will also control odor for long periods.

 

[thekla]

I checked on line and found the same as most seem to - that the shipping costs as much or more than the DE - so I checked around and the Coastal Farm and Garden in Eugene carries the food grade for $22.95 for 50 pounds - and no shipping so if you live in Oregon or anywhere else that they have stores (it is a chain but I don't know how far they go) it was the best option I could find (the local farm and feed independents all had "feed grade" and I don't know if that is the same as "food grade" for about the same price - anyone know if this is the same?)