Is it OK to give chicks some DE with their food?

[sanmar4chickens]

Chicks have been outdoors scratching and pecking outdoors. Water with ACV, Medicated Feed, They are around 4 weeks old - almost half feather out. Red Star Chicks. This is what they look like right now: De in their food? if so how much?

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Won't hurt them in moderate amounts, but doesn't do much of anything for them either. I'd skip it myself.

What is the protein content of the starter you are feeding them?

 

[sanmar4chickens]

Purina Start and Grow Medicated. I searched for protein content, found none. Just says contains plant proteins.

 

[tackleberry]

That purina start and grow is 20%-22% protein.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Purina Start and Grow Medicated. I searched for protein content, found none.  Just says contains plant proteins.

 

OK. Purina Start & Grow is 18% protein so your chick is right about where it should be growth wise.

http://poultry.purinamills.com/OURPRODUCTS/Products/StartGrow/default.aspx

I'd keep doing what you are doing. No need for DE.

 

[sanmar4chickens]

OK. Purina Start & Grow is 18% protein so your chick is right about where it should be growth wise.

http://poultry.purinamills.com/OURPRODUCTS/Products/StartGrow/default.aspx

I'd keep doing what you are doing. No need for DE.

That purina start and grow is 20%-22% protein

Thanks, The reason for my question was because of the exposure to parasites in the dirt...?

 

[Sharon Bee]

Ok, what's DE?

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Thanks, The reason for my question was because of the exposure to parasites in the dirt...?

DE does not prevent internal parasites or work as a de-wormer. It does not work when wet so it will not kill bugs internally with any decent rate of success. Works well on external bugs and mites/lice etc.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Ok, what's DE?

diatomaceous earth is a natural pesticide. It is actually a fossilized algae basically and is bought in the form of a very fine powder. There are several kinds. The food grade is non toxic (but can cause dehydration if overly ingested) and what you would want to buy for your garden and chicken. There is also a chemical pool kind. Don't buy this as it is toxic. I use it for mites and lice. There are stronger chemicals that work better but I prefer not to use them for health, environment and political reasons.

It is a common misconception that it is also a dewormer but the science does not support this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth#Pest_control