Questions about Diatomaceous Earth

[Laney]

Hi all,

I wanted to start using DE in my coop to keep flies down. I can't get it locally and will have to order it. Because of expense I wanted to see how much those folks who do use it go through.

My husband has noticed that buying in bulk would be more economical, but only if we are likely to go through the DE sometime this decade. If you're only using a cup of it a month that doesn't make sense. However, if your using a lot more than that then perhaps it does.

I plan to put it on the floor of the coop and on the dirt around the coop. My chickens are true free range so as soon as they get used to the area I don't think they will be hanging out near the coop, but the goats seem to like to hang around near it.

My coop is geodesic but has about a 6 foot diameter. I have 11 8 week olds in there right now but will probably be offering up some roosters soon. We have Brahmas which are all pure white right now and OEGBs which I think are Silver Duckwings.

Laney

 

[NancyDz]

It goes pretty far, I think 5lbs would probably last you a year. I use it in my yard, in my coop, in my feed and around my house some in the window sills ( for ants) and around the perimeter of my house. I get it at my feed store now , most of them have it available to order, they just have to ask their distributer as many feed stores arent familiar with it.

This is where I used to buy it online, I would start with the 5lb and see how you like it..

http://www.gardenharvestsupply.com/product/diatomaceous-earth-food-grade

 

[speckledhen]

I use about 150 Lb a year. I use it in feed to kill bugs that may get in there, under the roost, in the nests and to individually dust the flock. 5Lb wouldn't last two weeks here.

 

[sundance]

I buy it in 50 lb bags, last about a year, I use it in their food, in the nests on my garden, and on my birds. Dawn419 sells it PM her and she many be able to help you, I buy mine from the flee market from a guy that sells food for exotic birds like emos and such $20.00 for 50 lbs an i pick it it since its only 10 miles to town. marrie

 

[NancyDz]

Quote:
Well it depends on how many birds you have and how big of a coop but it goes a long way. Also how you apply it so it's not wasted. I spray it in my yard so I mix it with water.. goes much farther that way and all that's really needed is a light dusting. It's VERY light weight too I'd rather not have too much blowing around. Have never had mites but then I only have 15 chickens. Now if she's using it for goats too... maybe I'd get more but some people dont like it or dont think it works so Buying a 50lb bag seems like overkill until you know you like applying and using it. My friend tried it, didnt like it because it caused a rash on her hand. She won't use it because of that My chickens dont get dusted by me, it's just in their dust bath areas. Same with my dogs, They do get some in their food also. Fleas, ticks and mites havent been in my yard since. I think treating more than just the coop is good as it creates a bug free zone. Some people are worried about the honey bee factor ... but I dont spray my plants and bees dont often land on the ground so I see them all the time.

Nancy

 

[speckledhen]

Very true about the number of chickens. At the moment, I have 44, but the main use of the DE here is in the main layers coop where about 32 birds live. Plus, I live in very humid GA where the dampness can make ammonia smells worse. Even if you just dust birds with it and add a bit to the feed, 5# won't go very far, though. I agree, certainly try it before you buy 50#. Good advice.

 

[Laney]

Thanks for the responses.

Lots of good points. Right now we have 11 chickens with room for up to 25. I'll be doing some adjusting to the flock as I believe I have too many cockerels and not enough pullets but we'll see how that goes in the coming weeks.

Anyone want a Brahma or OEGB Silver Duckwing Rooster in Eastern NC?

They are sharing a pasture with goats. Our 4 Pygmies...soon to become more as we have two bred Nanny's. Plus 4 Dairy mixes that are visiting our Billy.

I really want to keep the fly population down. My husband will never let me raise another day old if this does not work I'll tell you that much. At least not ducks!

I think if we decide we like it, we'd be in the 50-100lbs per year category. We have 17acres and intend to have 3-4 separate pastures with lots of animals.

Laney