Who uses Diatomaceous Earth?

[chickenhearted 87]

Hi All,
I am new to the forum and a novice at raising chickens. I have been reading through the forum and online. One article I ran across about DE scared me a bit. I don't think I want to use it. If it isn't safe for me to breathe, don't think I want my chickens breathing it either. Here is the URL to the article:
www.shagbarkbantams.com/de.htm

 

[paganfish]

Quote:
I think, from what I've read, is that it can irritate your nasal passages but if it's already put into pet/human food to keep pests away it would stand to reason, it's OK to ingest-per se. It's just when you are dusting...it can be irritating to your nose.

That said, I have used it and never had any adverse reaction to it. I do wear a mask though...but only because I don't want to be sneezing while I dust. LOL!

However, on a microscopic level, it is lethal to mites, lice and other insect-like creatures if they ingest. DE is too small to do any real damage to mammals or birds...that's why it won't work on mice/rats. Grrr!

 

[kstaven]

Remember one thing also. The studies surrounding the work place and safety deal with the industrial version and products like dustbane. They do not refer to food grade product.