The wrong kind of DE - what will happen and why?

[Chicabee19]

I always read that you can't use the swimming pool kind of DE for your chickens, but never have heard why and what would happen to them.

How is it different from the food grade?

 

[SpottedCrow]

Here's a couple of answer I got off another few sites:
The de that low's carry is called pool grade, it would be like feeding your animals ground up glass.

Pool grade DE is Diatomaceous Earth produced for pool filters and it is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume crystalline form. Pool grade DE should never be used for pest control. Swimming pool DE ranges from 60% to 70% free silica!

I'd try and return what you bought, Chicabee.
I bought a couple of small bags from Foy's Pigeon Supply.

 

[Chicabee19]

oh... ok, thanks! Good to know.

I didn't buy any - I'm just studying up!

 

[Dustoff79]

Some additional info on DE.

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=2263

http://www.ghorganics.com/DiatomaceousEarth.html

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/organic/msg0514062312238.html

It is a great product and has a variety of applications.