The Natural Chicken Keeping thread - OTs welcome!

[Leahs Mom]

Jeff - On the deep litter and DE...

It's only my theory as I stated. I do think that if it is working correctly you don't need the DE.

And I DO know that they posts warnings on DE regarding inhaling it and that you should wear a dust mask when handling it. So it just stands to reason that when the chickens stir it up and are inhaling it - in addition to the dried pooh that it helps create - that it would be a less healthy environment.

Just my theory and, I think, common-sense thoughts.

 

[Leahs Mom]

OH... And if I did have the high humidity issues like Aoxa I'd likely use something to help that issue too.

 

[Melabella]

Just love your icons...where do u get them?

Here is a link to the free smilies on the site, yet my daughter and some of her friends write a daily blog associated with her middle school website and wore me down to buy a 6 month subscribtion to open up to use of all the smilies. I am like a child again....lol

http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys_feelings.html#

MB

 

[Leahs Mom]

Oh...1 more on the brine -

I've seen everything from 1/4 cup to 1 cup per gallon. Jeff - your book says 1 C. Is that what most of you use?

 

[aoxa]

OH... And if I did have the high humidity issues like Aoxa I'd likely use something to help that issue too.

I hate all this humidity. Today it is 95%.

 

[Leahs Mom]

Quote:
I also use this one: http://www.sherv.net/happy-emoticons.html

 

[Leahs Mom]

Quote:
I'm uncomfortable in the 70s humidity wise...95% is crazy!

 

[Melabella]

My head gives new definition to the word frizzy..

The humidity and warm weather has melted most of the snow, and has also caused the most dangerous fog situation. There was actually a two hour school delay today here, deemed far too dangerous for the buses to navigate the roads. I just put the kids on the bus! 2 hours behind to start chores! ...bleh

 

[JeffOeuf]

What is the point of the DE in the first place? Why would you add it to the DL? If DL is doing it's job, then it shouldn't be necessary, right? I'm not trying to get in the middle, I'm just trying to understand.

DE is a desiccant. It dries the moisture. I'm using it, but I don't use DL. I sift the litter out of my bedding every couple of weeks. I've just read over and over that DE will kill beneficials in deep litter, but it is always conjecture and never supported. If you have a moisture problem in your DL, it will solve it without killing anything you want in there.

 

[delisha]

Melabella..did you stay up most of the night and get caught up reading?

High moisture levels here too. I have not checkeed today, but, holly cow it is -13. it as suppost to be in the 30's this week and I have eggs coming.