Tell me about diatomaceous earth...?

[greyfields]

Quote:
I had a similar discussion with a poultry specialist PhD my extension agent had call me. There is no clinical evidence that DE has any benefit for parasite control (or any of the other supposed uses); and it has been studied extensively. Claims of clinical trials showing benefit are all non-scientific. He did not agree it could cause any harm to a chicken; just that it's entirely inert (his word too).

It falls under the category of "Things people think work, so they use it, thus reinforcing their initial thought that it worked". If you believe it works, by all means do so. If you are looking for any accepted scientific reserach that it does anything at all, then your search will be unsuccessful.

 

[w8tn4fresheggs]

Carla,

Thanks for pointing this out.

From when I first started using DE, I would try and give the full amount. Thinking the more the better. Now I just use a little in the feed. I think using it in the bedding and such helps just as much.

I will keep a watch out for impacted crops.

Thanks, Steph

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I knew it, it's just snake oil for chickens! Just say no to DE...

 

[dlhunicorn]

Want to know about DE and where/how it is used read this:

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/grsc_subi/...ure_slides/GRSC651_lect_20(1)_Inert_Dusts.pdf
(an excellent factual article on INERT DUSTS and how they are used and their efficacy within that use (and also comparing efficacy of the different dusts)

Carla, what you posted does not surprise me... in one of the threads here or in emergencies I posted my info on DE and its purported use as to efficacy in treating an internal worm infestation (studies showing it was not effective ) ... it can and is effective in the management of pests around the poultry house etc. as the info above explains....dont think you can use it to treat (internal) worms though...if your bird suffers from internal worms you will need the appropriate med to treat it...not DE
I dont know how many posts I have seen where ppl had EXTREMELY ill birds from worms and they considered and treated for everything but worms because "I was giving the appropriate amount of DE" ...