Is it safe to bathe chickens when it's cold outside?

[5cutechicks]

Ok keep seeing De in posts, what is it and I assume its chicken safe. Still a chicken newbie to some of this stuff! Today they're getting all new shavings in there coop along with some straw, good to know that will help.

 

[rancher hicks]

Ok keep seeing De in posts, what is it and I assume its chicken safe. Still a chicken newbie to some of this stuff! Today they're getting all new shavings in there coop along with some straw, good to know that will help.

diatomaceous earth food grade

You can get it in 50# bags. I once had it shipped to the house, but it's a bit more. Of course if you have to drive far to get it you might as well pay the shipping.

Basically it's crushed crustaceans that cut and dry up soft bodied mites and other cooties. Works good for slugs too. Safe around both animals and humans. Just not to breath in the dust.

I use it to dust my coops when cleaning and before putting in new shavings. I dust nest boxes too. Make sure to get into corners. I also dust the roosts poles. I also toss lots into the shavings since the birds will roll around in them and dust themselves.

Some use it some don't. It can also be used to dust dogs and cats.

 

[5cutechicks]

Great , thank you so much, I will see if I can get that before I clean there coop today. I didn't realize there were so many things you can do for your chickens. Thank you!

 

[sunflour]

I would be careful on how much DE you use. It is a fine powder and airborne easily. Inhalation is not a good thing, but in small amt is ok.

 

[5cutechicks]

Good to know, I will read the instruction well, thank you!

 

[speckledhen]

As with any fine powdery substance, you should never inhale it, even wheat flour. It's nothing special about DE, just any super fine powder is not good to inhale.

 

[rancher hicks]

I would be careful on how much DE you use. It is a fine powder and airborne easily. Inhalation is not a good thing, but in small amt is ok.

It's best to wear a mask when working with DE and both kinds of Grits. Just a cheap painters mask will be fine.