How often to use DE

[Thomps Hens]

I am getting ready to purchase the Food Grade DE (suggestions of where to purchase are welcome as our feed store doesn't carry it) and wondering how often you guys dust your coop and run and approximately how much you use each time. We have 10 in our Flock and I was looking at maybe 10 pounds.

Thanks!

 

[4 the Birds]

You can get a 25 lb bag at Tractor Supply for around $13. I use a sifter and dust 3 or 4 scoops every few weeks or so on the poop boards. Hope this helps!

 

[chfite]

The best price that I have found for DE is: http://diatomaceousearth.net/

My tractor supply changed what was carried to a small bag that is rediculously over priced.

I toss a half cup into the feeder when I fill it with about 15 pounds of crumbles.

Chris

 

[Thomps Hens]

Right now I am using ACV in their water, is there any problem using DE in their food along with ACV in their water?

 

[10xmama]

I bought a GIANT bag of it from our feed store.... It wasn't too bad.. 35 lbs maybe.. My hubby things he paid $20-30 for it. He doesn't remember.

I scoop out about a cup and a half and dust my coop and run 1-2x a week. Usually 1x but if its particularly stinky I'll do it again. I'm in FL and its been hot and humid so I've been doing it more often.

I am sure it will take me a year to use this bag. It really does help keep the coop from stinking and keeps the bugs away.

 

[Big Bubba]

Right now I am using ACV in their water, is there any problem using DE in their food along with ACV in their water?

The more people I talk to seem to say there is no problem whatsoever ingesting DE. I've mentioned it to about 10 people I know and it shocks me the number people who include DE in their diet.

I have 4 hens and I pour about 2 big cups of it all about the area, including onto feed on the ground. Not a testimonial, because I don't think they'd drop dead from eating it, but I see no adverse affects.

 

[Jordi15]

I puck up poop every day in the coop and run as for dusting...I dust my coop once a month. Its about the same for dusting the chickens. I sprinkle DE in their dust bath (the only place in their run that stays dry) and I also sprinkle DE in the trash cans where I store their food. I put ACV with the "mother" in their water also and have never had any problems.

 

[Thomps Hens]

Thank you for everyone's replies