Wrong DE used... are my girls going to die now?

[SundownWaterfowl]

they shouldnt die. i did that before. i used the stuff for pool filters, i dusted all the coops, and around the coops, they were fine though. I just cleaned out the bedding.

 

[smith2]

The stuff for fish aquarium filters shouldn't be deadly. Just don't give them anymore.

 

[emandmikey]

I'm going to clean out the bedding tomorrow... and I'm getting rid of the 'contaminated' food too. Thanks everyone, for making me feel better. I hope everythings OK in the morning.

 

[lovemychix]

I wish you the best luck! I know you must be sickened by this.

 

[SpottedCrow]

The "wrong" type of DE is used for pool filters, which is different from the food grade stuff...It's more of a sandy type of stuff.
If you need some, I have an unopened bag that I bought at Foy's Pigeon Supply.

 

[emandmikey]

The stuff I got was a white powder... very fine... and the bag did say it was for use in aquarium filters. I've ordered some 'food grade' DE tonight online. I hope my girls will be OK, and I can start using the right thing whenever it comes in.

All this fuss because ONE of my girls had some poultry lice... yes, I checked everyone and she's the only one with them right now... so of course I wanted to get the DE and treat everyone.

 

[gritsar]

I only skimmed thru the responses, so please pardon me if this has already been covered.
Call the company that makes the DE you got and ask them. You can most likely find their phone number by using a search engine on the net or try www.anywho.com
My SO was proud when he brought me home some DE he had found at the co-op. He thought he was doing me a favor. It didn't say anything anywhere on the package about being food grade, so I called the company the next day. As soon as I told the lady I was calling about the DE and before I could ask my question she told me yes, it's food grade (sounded like they got asked that question alot). The company even sent me a e-mail with details about it.
Not long after I noticed that the company has modified their labels to clearly show it's food grade.

 

[newbie coops]

Don't sweat it. Chickens can handle a lot. Just get rid of the stuff as soon as you can and count your blessings. It's a learning curve.

 

[spatcher]

It is NOT okay to put it in their dustbath or anywhere else near your chickens!!! Dont give out bad info if you dont know what you are talking about!!! Chickens have LUNGS...do the math!

google "crystalline silica" and see what you are dealing with. I would not hesitate to print it out and take it to the store you bought it from and ask them who is going to replace your chickens or pay your medical bills. Might just scare them enough to make sure they have knowledge of what they are selling.

 

[emandmikey]

Don't worry - It's gone now, and the Chicas are all acting normally this morning. I'm getting new feed for them today, and they will not be exposed to the wrong DE again.