Question about DE

[Trish1974]

Through reading several articles here regarding DE (Diatomaceous Earth), I have learned it does not do well with moisture. I mixed some in the dust bath spots for my girls on Friday morning, just as a preventative measure (also sprinkled in the coop). They haven't wanted anything to do with their 2 dust bath spots since, and yesterday we got a heavy downpour out of the blue. Is it safe to assume the DE is no longer effective since it was rained on? Also, any idea why they have avoided the spots since?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi!

Dirt bathing on it's own has always been adequate for us. I prefer not to use or BREATH de. Wood ash works well.

But as to your question, I think that DE is a solid and I don't believe it is water soluble. It is like little rocks formed from skeletons of sea creatures (I believe) that have been fossilized. I would think it should still be effective for bug deterrent when it is dry again.

However, since your chickens don't seem to like it, if you don't have issues, why continue to use it?

To help dry thing out in my coop I use Sweet PDZ ($17 for 40#). It is amazing what it does to the smell in there and in my goat barn!

Since you are preventing something you may not have.... I say let it go! But in a friendly way, not a "my way is the right way".

 

[Trish1974]

Thank you Eggsighted4life!

 

[worms7]

I am doing a deep litter meathod
with wood shavings can i put a
couple of handfuls of Damascus earth now & again
cheers Phil

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I don't knock people who do use DE. Everybody has different experiences and expectations in life. And what works for one person in their location might not work for another at a different location. But I like to see both side of the story even if I may not agree. I keep an open mind when presented with facts. Maybe you will still get more input. These threads fly by on the main page and sometimes may not be seen by too many people.

And not ALL natural products are safe. Just as a general statement.

Sounds like you are proactive in caring for your flock. So I am sure they will live the good life with you!

Although I generally subscribe to the notion that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, I always have to weigh the pluses and minuses and choose the lesser of the evils.

Best wishes!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

DE will kill worms or other bugs that are there to decompose the deep litter. And the chickens like to eat those worms and bugs. Do you put your compost in your deep litter?

Also, be careful what shaving you use. Another thread someone just lost 2 birds to asperiligius (spelling) fungus because of wood chips. Pine shavings should be fine.

I am doing a deep litter meathod
with wood shavings can i put a
couple of handfuls of Damascus earth now & again
cheers Phil

 

[worms7]

So I won't use De as it kills the
good stuff I will only use in nest
box on top of shavings
cheers Phil