Uses for DE?

[lablover]

I'm getting food grade DE to kill the fleas around the house, but I'm wandering about it's uses with chickens. What can you do with it in the chicken coop? Also, is it non-toxic to all animals?

 

[galanie]

Yes, it's non toxic to all of them, though breathing much DE, in fact any dust, isn't healthy so you have to restrain yourself some. If your coop isn't too wet, it will help keep it dry enough that it doesn't stink and can kill a few bugs also. Many sprinkle DE in the coop regularly. Some even think it is good to feed them but most of us really don't. I mean, if it really did have all those sharp edges they say, it would be like feeding them ground glass. It is a great dessicant though and will kill bugs by drying them out. Who knows, might give them some minerals if they eat it too. No idea.

Edit to add: Remember, we're talking FOOD GRADE only. Never use the pool stuff!