Question about DE!

[cochinbantam-lover]

I purchased this from Cutler's Supply and the label reads as:

Diatomaceous Earth(DE)

From fresh water. FDA-approved as feed additive
Contains less than 1% crystalline silica

OK now my question, do I for sure have the right stuff here, I want to use it in my coop to mix in the bedding and also to put it on my chicks for lice and mite protection. I got 2 small bags of the stuff but don't really know how much to apply to the coop or on my chicks, I don't like to overdo so I am asking these things to be sure I don't harm my chicks. It is used for killing all kinds of bugs, is that also correct?
Thankyou so much!

 

[fushalilly]

It sounds correct, but I dont think chicks really need it. Its more of something to be used when there fully featehred and in the coop....

Maybe Im wrong, but I dont see how the chicks could pick up mites and parasites inside your home.

 

[gumpsgirl]

As long as it is FDA approved as a feed additive, then you have the right thing. The other kind of DE is toxic.

I don't generally use DE on my chicks, as it seems to be hard on their lungs. I would wait until they have feathers before I used any, myself. Chicks themselves, cannot get mites or lice.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Thanks so much you guys, my chicks are in the coop and the oldest are 3 months old some are a couple weeks younger. It's well ventilated but they cannot go out into the run as yet! I wanted to put some in the bedding and under it, would that be ok, it might help with a few nasty flies too, that's what I was thinking anyway, what are your thoughts!! Thankyou again