Is a dishpan half full of DE a good depth for hens to dustbathe in?

[Carolyn252]

The DE is about four or five inches deep. One pullet tentatively stepped in it to try it out, but when her foot sank in and she saw that it wasn't a solid surface, she pulled right back and walked away. How deep (or shallow) should the DE be?

 

[kcfuerst]

It would probably be a good idea to put sand in the box with the DE at a ratio of 70% sand and 30% DE. De by itself is quite dusty and might irritate their eyes. This will also give them something more substantial to stand on.

You could just sprinkle the DE in their run and they will stir it up themselves when they take a dust bath.

 

[trilyn]

Quote:
I do this also-it works great!

 

[OpheliaChick]

Sorry, I'm new to all this... what is DE?

 

[Carolyn252]

Does Home Depot sell sand, do you think? Or do I go to a masonry/stone/tile sort of place for it? Fine sand like at the beach?

 

[Carolyn252]

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Diatomaceous earth. Do a search here on BYC so you can learn all about it. But most importantly, use only "FOOD GRADE" type for your chickens.

 

[joebryant]

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Get the sand that's used for setting pavers. It will have different sizes of pebbles; you'll never have to buy expensive grit again.

 

[kcfuerst]

I just use play sand cuz it's clean and big grained. I also got a load of large-grained white sand from the local rock and gravel company. Sometimes it can be costly, but if you take your own buckets they may charge you less. I got 18 5-gallon buckets of great sand for $15.

Yes, DE MUST be food grade. Here is a great place to buy it if you don't have a local supplier: http://www.groworganic.com/item_PMB105_Diatomaceous_Earth_50_Lb_Bag.html

 

[hyperslug]

With just straight DE you will end up with the Pillsbury Dough Chicken!

Probably not good for their lungs either!

 

[TammyTX]

My chickens have a dust bath wallow and I mix some DE in with the dirt. I also mix it in with the pine shavings in the coop which they also wallow in.