Is a dust bath necessary if you have a deep litter coop?

[gtaus]

I wouldn't recommend DE as a dust bathing medium (or using it in general). The particles are really fine and they're an inhalation hazard.

I don't understand that because almost everyone recommends using DE. In fact, there is even a food grade DE. I can't remember what the local farm store carries, but I think it's labeled livestock DE. I can't imagine them selling DE for livestock if it is an inhalation hazard!?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't understand that because almost everyone recommends using DE. In fact, there is even a food grade DE. I can't remember what the local farm store carries, but I think it's labeled livestock DE. I can't imagine them selling DE for livestock if it is an inhalation hazard!?

Some people believe in using it, some people don't. It's so fine that it's a possible respiratory irritant, yet others have no issue using it. So up to you to decide how "safe" it is.

My feed store carries it and many pet stores carry it, but after having bought a bag, I ended up using it as ant deterrent. I really don't like how super fine it is and there's other good materials for use in a dust bath that don't seem to have the same amount of warnings attached to it.

 

[AmyJane725]

I don't understand that because almost everyone recommends using DE. In fact, there is even a food grade DE. I can't remember what the local farm store carries, but I think it's labeled livestock DE. I can't imagine them selling DE for livestock if it is an inhalation hazard!?

Believe me, I'm not trying to be an alarmist or anything. When I first joined this site I saw tons and tons of threads where people were saying how great DE is, and I was going to buy some, but then I did some more research/talked to some more people and it's apparently not very safe. (And I am referring to the food grade stuff. It's fine to eat, but breathing it is bad). The particles are very fine and stay suspended in the air for a long time. Birds and humans alike can get sick from breathing it in. Here's a thread I made about it back when I was newer and trying to figure out if I should use it or not. Take from it what you will. To me it's not worth the risk. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sweet-pdz-vs-de.1297731/

 

[Fishkeeper]

Milk is food grade, but inhaling milk into your lungs would be really bad for you. Plus, not everything that's sold should actually be sold. Food-grade activated charcoal isn't technically bad for someone, but will absorb any oral medications they've recently taken, including life-saving meds and birth control. Scented pads and tampons exist, but, without going into details, can cause someone serious issues. Essential oils can be hazardous if not diluted properly, and many are toxic to pets, but they don't mention that on the bottle most of the time.
And animal supplies have it worse! Hamster balls are stressful and dangerous for hamsters. Rawhide treats for dogs can be a major choking hazard. Heck, you can go buy a goldfish bowl right now, even though goldfish grow to be longer than most of those bowls are wide. The human-related FDA is bad enough about regulations, animal regulations are worse-to-nonexistent. Things can be sold for a purpose without actually being good for that purpose.

You don't need DE, anyway. Just give them dust that includes wood ash, and it'll be fine enough to suffocate the parasites. Heck, regular dusty dirt would help. Plus they like it.

 

[AmyJane725]

This is very true. Dogs choke to death on tennis balls butt they still sell them in pet stores. And the metal rung hamster wheels can break their legs.

 

[gtaus]

I really don't like how super fine it is and there's other good materials for use in a dust bath that don't seem to have the same amount of warnings attached to it.

I appreciate the heads up on DE. Frankly, I never heard of any warnings so that took me by surprise. I'm going into town later, but I plan on doing a bit more research and reading before I put DE in the dust bath. I am sure I could always mix the DE with the sand later. Thanks.

 

[gtaus]

To me it's not worth the risk. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sweet-pdz-vs-de.1297731/

Again, thanks for the warning and the link.

 

[AmyJane725]

I appreciate the heads up on DE. Frankly, I never heard of any warnings so that took me by surprise. I'm going into town later, but I plan on doing a bit more research and reading before I put DE in the dust bath. I am sure I could always mix the DE with the sand later. Thanks.

This is true, you can always adjust later depending on what you decide.

My dust bath is only sand right now and I don't think they even use it. They just roost on the edges of the pan.

I want to get some wood ash (that's the good stuff ) but I don't have a wood stove or anywhere to make a fire really.

But anyway, my final dust bath composition will be wood ash, sand and the dusty soil from my yard.

 

[AmyJane725]

Again, thanks for the warning and the link.

You're welcome. Hope it helps you make an informed decision.

 

[gtaus]

...You don't need DE, anyway. Just give them dust that includes wood ash, and it'll be fine enough to suffocate the parasites. Heck, regular dusty dirt would help. Plus they like it.

Wow, another anti-DE post. This is why I ask questions, ESPECIALLY when I am certain I already know everything. Turns out you guys have brought up many good points that I had not considered or read about.

I already have the mixer tub, the sand, dirt, and access to wood ash. So maybe I'll just start with that and if it works to keep the parasites away without the DE. If so, I'll just leave it at that.