When to use the DE?

[jennypoo]

Hi everyone, I am getting ready to have chicks in April and have a question about the DE.
I'm just wondering when and how often to use it.

I figured I should "sift" some on the floor before I lay down my first layer of shavings then everytime I have to stir and lay more shavings.
Is this correct or should I be doing it more or less often?
Should I use it in the nest boxes too?
Thanks for the advice.

 

[TheGardenCoop]

That sounds about right. I dust the henhouse and run of my coops with food-grade DE whenever I change or add bedding, laying the bedding down first and sprinkling the DE on top of that. I also dust the nesting boxes and any corners or crevices where material may collect. You can use DE in the brooder too with young chicks.

One other note: you might consider using a dust mask and gloves when you apply DE. It's not toxic, but it can dry your skin out pretty fast and make you cough if you inhale it.

 

[sevenchickens]

I've also made a white wash with it and painted anything, roosts etc... I also sprinkle it in their favorite place to dust bathe outside. I always use food grade too.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I just fling it! Every other week I'll toss several handfuls around the litter and then toss in some stracth. The girls do the mixing for me. I fling it over the roosts, nestboxes, chickens, cat, dog, whatever gets in the way!


ETA---I also mix it in the feed to keep out bugs

 

[jennypoo]

So, what exactly is the purpose of the DE?
I thought it was a moisture control thing.
It's also for mites?

I'll definately wear a mask whenever I'm doing any cleaning, stirring etc in there.
I'm pregnant and don't want to risk inhaling anything that I shouldn't.

 

[Sillystunt]

whe they are little be careful using to much. It can mess with them, i did it and it irratated their sinus and eyes.

I use it weekly for de worming,smell, lice, mites and other stuff. I use as a preventative~

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
Moisture, mites, fleas, ants.

Although I don't think it will hurt you or your baby, it's better to be exta safe