Using pool filter type D. E.?

[GarlicEater]

Hmm, well, apparently all DE is dangerous to breathe too much of.

I found a "Safer Brand Bug Killer" at Home Depot's site, dug around at the maker's web site until I found the MSDS, if you really want the straight poop, find the MSDS on a material or product - it's the Material Safety Data Sheet and there's one on almost everything. Anyway, according to the MSDS for this Safer stuff, it's just good old DE. The pool stuff has been cooked in a kiln, or "calcined" but I think that makes it LESS reactive rather than more.

Thanks all.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

In my area it goes by the brand name Sweet PDZ; comes in granular and powder I prefer the granular although many people use the powder.

 

[GarlicEater]

I actually looked at Sweet PDZ and it's more of a lime product with volcanic ash rather than diatoms in it. It may work fine, and I'm sure curious about it, it may be handy to know about. There's an "insecticide powder" at TSC that MAY simply be DE, but I didn't bring a magnifying glass to read the teeny lettering on the can, and it's kinda expensive for what you get.

 

[meowteri2]

Pool grade is crushed up sea shells . If it gets in your lungs it can tear them up like asbestos. Use the right stuff.
Then when you finish the job you can sit down and have a smoke and live longer.

 

[Judy]

There are links of the FAQ page to threads that discuss this in detail. No, pool filter DE should not be used.

 

[elmo]

You don't really want to be inhaling either type of DE, but the main difference is the food grade is safe for consumption (by you and your chickens), the pool grade is not. I've seen my chickens dustbathing, and they peck at and arrange the sand all the time. I wouldn't want to be worrying about whether they were consuming any DE mixed into the sand if I was using the pool grade stuff.

 

[B'villechicken]

Tractor Supply has Stall Dry which is DE plus some clay. I use it to mix in my bedding.
David

 

[GarlicEater]

Thanks all - I don't think I can return the box of DE I got at OSH, but I can certainly not buy any more of this type. I'll check out the FAQ page too.

 

[classicsredone]

Both pool grade and food/animal grade are start as the same thing - fossilized little sea critters. Pool grade is heat treated to serve as a filter material in pools. Food grade usually is not labeled as food grade. You'll normally find it as a pest control agent at hardware stores, garden centers, and feed stores. If you can get it in bulk, do it. It costs the same amount for me to get 50 lbs at the feed store as it does to get 1 lb at the hardware store. If you can keep it dry, there it won't go bad. Just make sure that if you buy DE labeled as a pest control agent that you check the ingredients. You want 100% DE.

 

[brounii]

Here is a great link all about DE:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1560-Food_Grade_DE

I hope this helps with your decision as well as locations to buy it. Good luck!