In DLM people use DE, worry about hurm

[francheska5608]

Hi,

I was using DLM only in winter. Now I learned that I could use DLM all year around with DE. But DE is hurmfull for lung as asbestos as I understand.
It said that DE harmfull for humans' lung. Question: why DE is not harmful for chickens' lung?
Thank you,

 

[GiddyMoon]

Are you sucking in DE as you spread it around? If not, you have nothing to worry about. It would take an awful lot to cause any problems in your lungs.

 

[francheska5608]

I just read about that I have to sprinkle it to wood shavings and on chickens. I've read that I shoud have musk. What about chickens - they are not going to have musks for their lungs. OR I do not understand the whole concept.

 

[GiddyMoon]

Using a mask is a precautionary measure. I have used DE for years and have never worn one. I am simply careful. The DE will get worked into the ground, the dirt, etc and not be an issue with the chickens' lungs.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

DE is completely unnecessary for DLM. You don't need to use anything except whatever you are using for litter, usually wood shavings. You can have a nice coop that isn't stinky just using plain litter. You can also use deep litter year round. I normally like to clear out the coop when the weather starts getting nice in the spring, but when I'm not busy in the garden. That works the best for me. Then I let the litter slowly build the rest of the year.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

why DE is not harmful for chickens' lung?

It is harmful, but chickens don't live long enough for the effects to appear in most cases.

DE is the most over hyped product there is​

 

[francheska5608]

Thank you everybody
I am a scientist (or may be was – I am sick now) in oncology area and very well know how mutations could accumulate during decades ( smocking for example). I’ve read that people even sprinkle chickens with DE. I also read that food grade one are not crystal so can’t be behave like mutagen? So I a little confused about the whole deal
Anyway , thank you
Francheska

 

[ivan3]

Amorphous Diatomaceous Earth is not associated with Silicosis (Pool Grade Diatomaceous Earth is).

If you are interested in the science and not the hype please read:


More info.: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=294680&p=2 (post #20) https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=295586&p=2 (posts #'s 11/20/22).

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I have used it to treat mites, instead of pesticides. It worked for us. It does need to be applied to the bird, as well as the dust baths. There is a big difference in the safety between food grade and pool or gardening grade DE. I'm sure the links provided will explain it. We also use dust masks or respirators when using dust.

 

[GiddyMoon]

We have used DE for about 6 years now for fleas, worming, ants, pests around the home, moisture / odor control, feral animal rescues etc. If it is so overhyped, you would not find so many people who swear by it. Do a search.