Is DE safe for chickens

[rotagen]

I used it for about 6 mos in their coop and little bit in their food. Now I am definitely against it. It was flying everywhere when I shoveled out the bedding and it definitely irritated MY lungs.

I have another question about it, is it safe to use in nest boxes? I was using it in my nest boxes to kill any little bugs that would love to live in there. I'm probably superstitious, but my not so young roo and hens have given me almost zero fertile eggs. And I wonder if anyone knows if the sharp little diatoms can incorporate into the egg shell and poke through membranes? Just a thought. Anyways, unless I get a huge mite infestation I'll never touch the stuff again, just throwing it away I feared for my lungs. If we had any honest regulation anymore, it would probably be classified along with asbestos...lung damage and cancer.

Just my opinion...Anyone use it in their nest boxes and successfully hatched eggs?

 

[TopazMaster91]

I used it for about 6 mos in their coop and little bit in their food. Now I am definitely against it. It was flying everywhere when I shoveled out the bedding and it definitely irritated MY lungs.

I have another question about it, is it safe to use in nest boxes? I was using it in my nest boxes to kill any little bugs that would love to live in there. I'm probably superstitious, but my not so young roo and hens have given me almost zero fertile eggs. And I wonder if anyone knows if the sharp little diatoms can incorporate into the egg shell and poke through membranes? Just a thought. Anyways, unless I get a huge mite infestation I'll never touch the stuff again, just throwing it away I feared for my lungs. If we had any honest regulation anymore, it would probably be classified along with asbestos...lung damage and cancer.

Just my opinion...Anyone use it in their nest boxes and successfully hatched eggs?

I don't know about it getting into eggs or anything, but I wouldn't use it in the coop at all, just because of how dusty it is; I don't want to take a chance on hurting my chickens lungs.
For control I'd put it all AROUND the OUTSIDE of the coop, but not in it.
Just isn't worth the risk of cutting up their lungs.

 

[aart]

I'm probably superstitious, but my not so young roo and hens have given me almost zero fertile eggs. And I wonder if anyone knows if the sharp little diatoms can incorporate into the egg shell and poke through membranes?

DE has nothing to do with infertility.

Anyways, unless I get a huge mite infestation I'll never touch the stuff again

If you get a mite or lice infestation, get some permethrin dust and/or spray.
DE will not kill an infestation.

 

[Phoenixxx]

As far as respiratory irritants go, the dust that chickens make is also an irritant. Yes, DE will pose an issue if there are constant clouds of it around, but for intermittent use outside (don't dust your chickens inside) or sprinkling in the corners and cracks of nest boxes where it won't get kicked up it's perfectly fine.

As far as effectiveness against mites and lice, it DOES work (some people insist it doesn't, but I prevented a mite infestation with DE when I brought home some roosters once who were literally crawling with northern fowl mites) as long as it is dry. I use it on anthills all the time, and it only takes about a week or two of dusting on the dry days before the ants are no more. It works by cutting into the exoskeletons of insects, whereby they then dehydrate and die; it is not instant, since how fast they die depends on how many little cuts the insect got.

 

[Lil TexHens]

If you’re looking for an alternative to DE for controlling pests, research First Saturday Lime. I don’t use DE! If it’s dangerous for me, then it is most certainly dangerous to a chickens’ sensitive lungs. Instead, I use First Saturday Lime to treat the coop and dust bath. It is limestone.
When using large amounts you still need to be careful, so wear a mask. BTW, ANY fine powder, even all purpose flour, is dangerous if inhaled in large amounts.
Also, It is NOT food grade and not intended for consumption. So... DO NOT use First Saturday Lime in their food.
Like I said, do your own research. Oh and just to be clear, I don’t use First Saturday Lime in large amounts.

 

[colleenspe]

I am conflicted. Some reports say that DE is safe for chickens and some say it is not because it causes respiratory problems. Can you of you more experienced chicken owners straighten me out on this issue?

What is DE??

 

[Mamatomany123]

What is DE??

Diatomaceous earth

 

[Awestruck]

I have heard these conflicts as well and am confused by them. I am pretty sure the main problem with using DE is that it could get into their lungs. That could be fatal. I use this on my dog and the instructions tell you to wear a mask and go outside. Someone reported that they put some on their cat and the cat must have breathed it in and got pneumonia and died. I would just use it carefully and sparingly. I have not used it on my birds yet.

 

[Folly's place]

In the trade-off between safety and efficacy, this product looses IMO. It is added to some grain based feeds to kill grain mites (I guess) but otherwise it's usefullness just ain't worth it.
And if you see the conditions where it's open pit mined, that's another mark against it.
Mary

 

[aart]

It is added to some grain based feeds to kill grain mites (I guess)

Correct...and also as a desiccant to prevent clumping in automated feed systems.