Need a little advice on where to put DE...

[Silkie75]

Hi everyone. I have 7 little Silkies who are 8 weeks old. They are now living outside in the the pen my boyfriend made. I just bought some DE (pet approved) and I'm wondering where I need to put it. The floor of the enclosed pen is all dirt. They also have a ramp up to a "2nd floor" where it is enclosed with wood and has a wood floor- also where the nesting boxes are. The wood floor is covered with a layer of wood pellets (we use them for our pellet stove- heard they are great for the chicks) and on top of the pellets are pine shavings. Where should I put the DE?? On both floors?? Walls? Ceiling?? Should I also put it outside of the pen on the ground? I let them free range for a couple hours in the evening- supervised of course. I've been reading on DE and I can't find an exact answer for the floors and pen I have. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

(Oh- and how much do I use?)

 

[cluck-cluck]

I think people put it everywhere (in light amounts in nest box I think) to keep away mites, lice n stuff?? If it's in the regular bedding or in the run, maybe in one area a bit concentrated, they'll find it and take dust baths. Remember, that's what I've been reading, I have yet to raise any chickens (eggs in the incubator) but thought I'd pipe in as I recall reading these things over n over again, LOL. I've been a little bit obsessed lately....

I've always wanted to raise chickens in the backyard since I was a little girl, and when my husband said he thought it'd be a great idea ('cause he's been doing survivalist stuff lately (how to cook with just sticks, how to grow the most nutritious things and is planning on making home made solar cells, LOL. I jumped at the chance

So here we go...........

(btw, he never wanted me to do this before when I asked.... got ta take the chance when you got an opening)

 

[jlquick30]

I sprinkled mine pretty much everywhere. Around the edges of the coop (inside), around their beddings and nests. I didn't put any in the actual nests or up the walls or anything - only where the walk around.

 

[wekiva bird]

If it food grade you can use it in coops,nest box, even in the food to help with worms and flies.