What is DE used for

[crystal195655]

I know this topic has been done before, but exactly what uses is DE used for? I understand about the worms and mites....but someone also said it can be used to dry out the litter while doing the Deep Litter method? Do you also feed this to your chickens? At what age is it safe to start using it in the coop? All help will be appreciated, Thanks

 

[KDK1]

I use it to dust the coop for bugs and mix it in with the feed for the same reason and to keep any would-be moisture at bay since my feeder holds 65# of feed.
Edited for atrocious spelling

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote: DE has never been proven to have any effect on internal parasites.
The only proven uses are as an insecticide and a moisture absorbant

 

[Bernard P. Fife]

I've been wondering about DE and its uses as well. I have heard to only get the food-grade DE.

 

[KDK1]

Quote:Originally Posted by Bernard P. Fife

I have heard to only get the food-grade DE.


You are correct Barney!

 

[Dutch552]

It may either say food grade or CODEX gade, they are one in the same. I use it liberally in the coop to keep the litter dried out and keep the bugs away. Had a bug problem with the new coop at first, realized I wasn't using enogh DE in the litter and haven't seen a crawling bug since.