I have a question on DE???

[dawg53]

Hi

I am a firm believer in DE. I use it in mixed in with sand for my chickens dust bath. I mix it in their feed to prevent worms. We sprinkle it on the birds themselves to prevent/stop mites/lice. And we sprinkle it in the coop to prevent insect investations. In addition, it is feed to our dogs and cats to also prevent worms. My husband and I are trying to be as organic as we can, without using pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals. I can see were a chemical wormer would be needed for a severe infection of worms, but as a preventative, DE is awesome.

I bought some of the DE from TSC which I use in the dust bath and the coop grounds. We also use it in our garden. However, we do use the DE labeled as food grade in the feeds for the animals.

I have heard that DE is good for humans too, only food grade, but have not tried this myself....

Make sure you mix some up for yourself to prevent worms and other problems....make sure you consult your doctor first.

 

[Amette93]

The chemical DE has little shards of glass in it. DO NOT USE IT ! make sure when you buy DE it says FOOD GRADE. The Chemical DE is used for pool filters.

 

[nicky5]

I am new to chickens and this site, I was told this was an awesome site!!! In saying that I have three, 3 month old standard chickens who are so happy in their coop and yard!! I also have 2, 1 1/2 month old, 1 silkie and the other silkie cross, ( so the lady I got them from said). My blue silkie had been sneezing ever since I had gotten her, I thought it was just from her poor surroundings in which I got her, but it continued, I also think while I was holding her I had a lice on me. A great friend of mine told me I should get DE, that it really will help. I did and put on both babies and put them back in their box in the house by the heat lamp. She seems to be doing way better instead of sneezing the whole time I am holding her it seems to be only about 2 times now. Now my problem is on the jug of DE it does not have any directions, thanks to YouTube I put it on her right but I have no clue how often I should apply it? Once a week or every 14 days I have no clue. Could anyone please tell me this? Thank you

 

[HunterRanch]

Please do not use DE. I use it for myself personally and breathing so much as a small amount in causes an awful cough and lingering irritation. Now imagine you're a chicken surrounded by it, walking on it, bathing in it, etc. It is microscopic fossilized sharp phytoplankton that irritates the lining of the respiratory tract and lungs. That is why it works for insects with exoskeletons..it scrapes them and dehydrates them to death (good for any infestations). As for using it as a dewormed, yes, it can be used as a parasite cleanse when ingested in water (despite previous comment it cannot work when wet). Please trust my personal experience on this. There are alternatives. If you're Loking for a better dewormed, apple cider vinegar is great.

 

[nicky5]

Thank you, I actually had used it before I posted and it helped my baby, she is no longer sick, I rubbed it on her and a few days later no more sneezing. I will not use it unless they get sick, I think she had lice which was making her sick. Now no more!!! Thank you for the heads up!!!

 

[Lulee61]

I thank you so much for the information I've been taking it my self for parasites.