Ok. Totally sold on using DE... How do people apply?

[ONSTAD1]

My 5 chicks are 2.5 weeks old and have been in the coop for 2 weeks. Thinking it is about time to apply DE to the bedding. Coop is 4x4 and litter (pine shavings) is about 2" deep. How much DE should I use, how often to apply, and what methods do people use to apply it?


Also any thoughts on PDZ pellets? or PDZ in general... does it effect composting if using deep litter method?

Thanks

Mo

 

[Judy]

Just be sure you wear a mask and apply it sparingly. The chickens shouldn't breathe it, either.

 

[Dahlisgrams]

My 5 chicks are 2.5 weeks old and have been in the coop for 2 weeks. Thinking it is about time to apply DE to the bedding. Coop is 4x4 and litter (pine shavings) is about 2" deep. How much DE should I use, how often to apply, and what methods do people use to apply it?


Also any thoughts on PDZ pellets? or PDZ in general... does it effect composting if using deep litter method?

Thanks

Mo

For a small 4x4' coop, I use a cup or two of DE mixed into a few inches of Sweet PDZ granules but have never used the pellets so I cannot comment on that. I just make sure to add it when the birds are outside to allow the dust to settle before they come in and have had no problems. I have been using it for about a month and the coop does not smell at all, it's easy to clean and safe to compost as well. Good luck!

 

[speckledhen]

Get one of those parmesan cheese shakers with the large holes, put some in there and sprinkle it sparingly in the nests and under the roosts. Doesn't take much. When you replace nest material, reapply. I never use a mask because I don't put tons around.


From time to time, I sprinkle the birds on their butt fluff and under the wings, but that's it. I do put a cup in each open feed bag to kill any bugs that may want to set up housekeeping.

 

[triplepurpose]

I scatter a few cups around the henhouse occasionally, especially when I add a lot of new litter, more frequently maybe if I see any lice around. There's no magic regimen for me, I literally just keep it on hand in a bucket and do it occasionally when I think of it.

I give special attention to the high-traffic areas like the feeders, waterers, roosts, nest boxes, and doorways as common sense suggests those are the most likely places for parasites to hang out and/or pose a problem.

If you see ectoparasites of any sort on the chickens themselves, or as a precaution to protect a broody hen, you can also rub the DE into their feathers, especially around the vent and under the wings (I recommend covering your mouth and eyes for this in case the chicken starts flapping and blowing the dust everywhere)! Holding the chicken upside down while you do this can make it easier for the dust to get down against the skin where it should go.

Hope that helps...

 

[pm]

I use an 8 cup flour sifter. I fill it twice for a 10' x 12' area of Deep Litter. My plan was to do this once a month, but it hasn't seemed to need it that much.

Paul

 

[DeannaOR]

I use Stall Dry in my poop board and under the shavings in the chicken jail. I use some sprinkled on the floor in the main part of the coop before I put shavings down when I clean as well. Just plain DE I use sparingly in nest boxes. Try not to make dust clouds...tap it out rather than shaking.
I also use the DE in my feed bins...pincher bugs kept getting in there, that put an end to it.

 

[ONSTAD1]

ty, that helps.

Mo