Moving in day at the Chicken McMansion

[Chieftain]

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Different manufacturer?? There are several sources for diatoms and how they are processed and where they come from probably affects the color.

Is yours like talcum powder? This stuff sure is and I can see how overuse can lead to a very dusty and unhealthy coop...

It's a shame they don't carry smaller bags either. This is enough DE to last me a lifetime with a 20 Sq. Ft. coop.

 

[RM44]

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Mine is white too, and I know it's food grade (or at least it says it is.....)

 

[Chieftain]

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It hasn't been too bad really. The rubbermaid tub has been on the dining room table for a while, but it's gone now and won't be back till we need to brood another batch of chicks. I never let it get the least bit stinky and with only five, that was never a problem either. But yah, the cat will certainly be less annoyed without the cheeping and pecking going on and the dog wants to join them in the coop...

 

[Guinea Goonie]

Have never seen brown DE, but it sure does have all the "critters" on the front of it, so i am sure it is a good thing.

My DE is white, but it too is a very fine dust and something that goes into the dirt bath areas for the chooks.

Nice coop, hope the neighbors do not think you are growing something else but chooks !!

 

[Chieftain]

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Mine is white too, and I know it's food grade (or at least it says it is.....)

Mine is "Feed Grade" as opposed to "Food Grade" and that is probably the difference. I asked for a bag of DE for my chickens, and this is what they produced. It's used for all kinds of livestock, not just chickens.

Any of you Flock Mistresses care to cluck in on this one and help us poor ignorant newbies out??

 

[jeremy]

Quote:
Different manufacturer?? There are several sources for diatoms and how they are processed and where they come from probably affects the color.

Is yours like talcum powder? This stuff sure is and I can see how overuse can lead to a very dusty and unhealthy coop...

It's a shame they don't carry smaller bags either. This is enough DE to last me a lifetime with a 20 Sq. Ft. coop.

Ours came in a 50 lb. bag... 2 years ago!

And I still have 1/2 of the bag left. I don't know if I'll ever run out. I did find a 20 lb. bag, but it's not "food grade". I haven't used it though.

 

[Chieftain]

Update...

It's dark now and getting chilly but the remote says the air temp in the coop is staying stable. Last time I looked in they were milling about smartly, eating and drinking, and a couple were snuggled down in the litter on the edge of the light. They aren't huddling like they are cold and they are moving out of the stronger light when they warm up. Just like they are supposed to do.

Tonight is supposed to be the chilliest for the next week and that means 34-35 by dawn, still above freezing, and then no lower than the mid forties from then. That light is perfect for them for now.

Pressing on...

 

[MyFirstFarm]

I'm so impressed with the beauty and quality of your coop. How lucky your little chickens are! I also loved the stand idea for the water. You've given a newbie much to think about (and aim for!).

 

[Sammimom]

LOVE THE FLOOR!!! Something to keep in mind "for the next coop..."

 

[Mahonri]

Love it.