How do I use the DE?? Please some one HELP?

[kbreak]

I am new to chickens. My coop is on the ground. We added a little straw under the roost. Tomorrow I am gonna put down pine shavings and DE. How do I do it? Do I need to rake out the poop and straw that is in there now or can I leave that? Can I just sprinkle the DE on top then add the shavings then mix it all up ? Have no clue what I am doing. Need advice on how to do it.

 

[Patricia Jane]

You can leave everything in. Add the shavings and sprinkle it in. A little goes along way. Give it a little mix. Suggest you wear a mask while using it.

 

[kbreak]

Can I sprinkle DE just on the ground in the run without covering?

 

[BrattishTaz]

Quote:
Yes, you can. I use a big spoon to sprinkle it around. Just make sure you are using food grade DE.

 

[kbreak]

Quote:
Yes, you can. I use a big spoon to sprinkle it around. Just make sure you are using food grade DE.

I haven't read on it but it was with the chicken supplies.
Thank you for your advice !!

 

[VelvettFog]

Quote:
Why do you need DE? *NEED* it? Do you have a specific problem you are trying to address? or did you simply read that folks have posted that they use it?