Shavings and DE

[Chickenchip]

What is DE? Also what type of shavings are best ?

Thanks

 

[Cyprus]

DE is diatamacous earth. It is a soft, crumbly, porous sedimentary deposit formed from the fossil remains of diatoms.
It is used against parasites and comes in a fine powder.

The best kind of shavings to use is pine. Fine or course is your choice.

 

[3riverschick]

Hi,
You want to use only food-grade diatomaceous earth. pool grade Diatomaceous Earth has chemicals in it that are bad for the chickens .
here's how to floor your coop using diatomaceous earth.
First, put a thin film of of food-grade diatomaceous earth on the bottom of the coop. it should be thick enough so that you cannot see the Grain in the wood.
Second put a thin film of sweet pdz stall freshener over the diatomaceous earth. it should be thick enough so that you cannot see the diatomaceous earth through it.
Third put put put down 4 to 6 in of hardwood shavings. that's the " white bale" at Tractor Supply Company ,not the yellow bale.
Your shavings should always smell like fresh dry sawdust , not turpentine.
The DE will take will take care of any bugs that crawl to the bottom of the coop by scratching their exoskeletons so they die of dehydration.
The Sweet PDZ will help control moisture in the shavings and reduce ammonia smell.
The shavings being 4 to 6 inch. deep will help keep the coop warm and provide a soft bed for the birds to nestle in, if they wish. Using this system, I have never had a wet wood floor on my coop.
No, I have never had any respiratory issues with my birds using DE in this fashion. Or layering the flooring of my coop in this fashion.
Best,
Karen in western Pennsylvania USA

 

[Chickenchip]

Someone on a thread said to mix it in the food.

 

[3riverschick]

Hi
Mixing it in their feed would be if you wanted to use it to worm the birds .
Best,
Karen

 

[Chickenchip]

Hi,
You want to use only food-grade diatomaceous earth. pool grade Diatomaceous Earth has chemicals in it that are bad for the chickens .
here's how to floor your coop using diatomaceous earth.
First, put a thin film of of food-grade diatomaceous earth on the bottom of the coop. it should be thick enough so that you cannot see the Grain in the wood.
Second put a thin film of sweet pdz stall freshener over the diatomaceous earth. it should be thick enough so that you cannot see the diatomaceous earth through it.
Third put put put down 4 to 6 in of hardwood shavings. that's the " white bale" at Tractor Supply Company ,not the yellow bale.
Your shavings should always smell like fresh dry sawdust , not turpentine.
The DE will take will take care of any bugs that crawl to the bottom of the coop by scratching their exoskeletons so they die of dehydration.
The Sweet PDZ will help control moisture in the shavings and reduce ammonia smell.
The shavings being 4 to 6 inch. deep will help keep the coop warm and provide a soft bed for the birds to nestle in, if they wish. Using this system, I have never had a wet wood floor on my coop.
No, I have never had any respiratory issues with my birds using DE in this fashion. Or layering the flooring of my coop in this fashion.
Best,
Karen in western Pennsylvania USA

Thank you !