Just got to vent about something

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I am having the same problem here in Florida. I found a web site that you can order on liine Its called Perma Guard Diatomaceous Earth Products. They are located iin Arkansas. They have food grade DE You can buy a 5lb box for 10.00 plus shiippiing They also have a 50lb bag. Hope this helps Ii am haviing a hard time fiindiing it as well

 

[4H kids and mom]

Ok, I have to ask....what is DE? Is that a chemical used for dusting? Or is it some food additive? What does it do? I hear it described as "flour" and I'm just making sure I'm not thinking the wrong thing! I don't medicate my flock, so if its a dusting/mite powder or something then I can stay away, but if its something they need, I'll need to look into it. Thanks in advance!

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

Fran I sent you an email please check your box I would be interested in ordering some DE thanks Micki

 

[pipermark]

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae.
These are the studies that were conducted on marine grade DE. This is not finely ground, and if you rub it between your fingers it is course to the touch. It is contains particles that have sharp edges and a very high absorbency rate. The sharp edged partials cut the wax protection on the insects and then they are basically dried out. However, under humid conditions it loses its effectiveness, only logical.

Food grade DE is finely ground; it is not course to the touch and therefore is missing a very important property for pest control. Food grade DE has never participated in a study that has proved its effectiveness to control parasites. You will find articles on the Internet claming something called "medical grade" can be used to control worms in humans and animals. I have never been able to locate one legitimate study that confirms this. I found mention of studies, one at a zoo and one at a university, and both denied that such a study was done.


Ok, here is the part that’s going to make you go huh, I use DE ,

. Thought I was against it didn’t you. Well here is why. Most parasites and bugs like moist environments. DE has a great absorbency rate. It creates adverse environment to parasites. I also believe, that it controls soft parasites normally passed in the droppings. These are not very mobile and the DE, even food grade will dry them out. I have actually tested this with a few earth worms.
There are not any studies that prove the reasons I use it, just common sense and 4 years experience. I also think that the "adverse" environment is the reason that people think it is controlling worms from the inside. They use it, less wormy birds, etc. The thing is we all; even humans have intestinal parasites in us. Our own immune system and health keep their activity to a minimum. It is when we are exposed to massive infestations, or we are in weak health, that the parasites can take over and become a negative impact on our health. The one place in our chicken’s environment that can easily lend itself to an infestation is under the roost. I believe it is the act of keeping that poop under control, by removal or using absorption agents that we can really control the parasite population and their negative affects on our animals.

Ok, I am open to any other opinion, but to be kind enough to site studies and links so we can learn from them.

Thank you




http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=16602086

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/..._uids=17390789&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=12703482

How humidity and temerature affect DE (non-flour):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/..._uids=16937711&query_hl=6&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/..._uids=11124366&query_hl=8&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/..._uids=10985052&query_hl=8&itool=pubmed_DocSum