HELP..the flies are HORRIFIC!

[mdbokc]

fisherman65 - I don't know about others but when I apply DE to the pine shavings, there is so little that you barely see it. I use coarse, large pine shavings and when they burrow in it or scratch in it, I do not have a dust storm of DE in the air. That's all I can tell you. Plus I have so much ventilation that any dust in the air is moved out of the coop almost immediately.

 

[KlaHaYa Gardens]

Quote:
Most people who are cautious with poisons will wear gloves. The bit danger with DE is to the lungs. The dust is extremely fine and is effectively cement in the lungs. I have not seen one single person use a mask while using DE in their garden or with their animals. Haven't even seen the Master Gardeners on TV wear a mask.

Do you wear a mask while using DE?

 

[KlaHaYa Gardens]

Quote:
I am more concerned with the human lungs! However, I would ask how long your chickens live. It is hard to tell the effect/damage on a chicken or other farm animals unless you can test/prove. Nonetheless, common sense tells me that if DE is a danger to my lungs, I should guard the chickens, too. So, if I were going to apply it in the chicken coop, I would wear gloves and a mask and do it when the chickens aren't in there. I would use it sparingly and under straw.

There is a lot of information on DE and lung damage. Here is a basic primer link: http://www.ehow.com/list_6298568_diatomaceous-earth-warnings.html

 

[KlaHaYa Gardens]

*steps in to review posts in this thread*

*greets each poster with a smile*

* passes out MSDS sheets/DE warnings*



*Hands out masks to every poster and one for each of their kin, SINCE NO ONE ADMITS TO HAVING OR USING A MASK WHEN USING DE*


*admires and compliments each poster's beautiful chickens*


*wanders out of thread and abandons topic hoping for the best and that the safety point is made*