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

[MissPrissy]

Here's the thing that hurts - it could happen in the next few days BUT it could also be one of those long drawn out things where they gradually sicken and get worse over time. It's unpredictable.

I am so very sorry.

I try so hard to stress FOOD GRADE / Codex Fossil Shell Flour when I mention DE to prevent these mishaps.

 

[emandmikey]

It says on the bag that it's the purest, highest quality grade, specifically for use in a certain kind of filter... UGH.... I'm feeling a little sick to my stomach...

The birds are all acting normal though...

 

[mypicklebird]

They will probably be fine. What is important is that YOU do not breath it when you are handling and disposing of it. If you look up the safety warnings (MSDS) for diatomaceous earth for the pool grade (filter grade) stuff- what you really do not want to do is get a face full of it. The pool grade is heat treated, and has lots of silica in it. YOU can get lung damage.
I periodically hear of people using the BAD stuff on/in themselves and on/in their pets with no apparent ill effects (so your chickens for their relatively short lives will probably be fine)-- but I would never recommend using the pool grade stuff around yourself- as you plan to live for 80+ years and there are many more years for the carcinogenic properties of this stuff to show up. Plus if you get a big facefull/lung full by accidentally dropping the bag ect, it can kill quickly.
Jess

 

[Kathy1]

I dont know anything about DE, but I wanted to say I hope they are ok.

 

[Guinea Goonie]

Look on my BYC pages. I have one on DE and a link to a member that reallly knows the stuff. I think it is the last page.

 

[SpottedCrow]

What petshop did you buy it in??

I know that both PetCo and PetSmart don't sell it...not for fish filters or for anything else...

Hugs and prayers for your birdies.

 

[bigzio]

I would buy some new feed and dump the amount you have mixed so far.

Hopefully you caught this soon enough to save your flock....keep calm and start fresh.

While diatomacious earth may have some benefits (i use wormguard plus broad spectrum) in the feed, and have excellent results, including fecal samples with nothing observed, in a older flock.

Mistakes happen, that's how we all learn eh?

I wish nothing but the best for you and your flock...hope you caught it in time.

bigzio

 

[emandmikey]

Thank you for the well-wishes everyone! I'm not going to feed them the food I had mixed with the DE, and I've removed the dust-bath tray that I had in there. They're all acting normally still.

Spotted Crow - I purchased it at a small locally-owned aquarium shop here in Wake Forest, Aquarium Outfitters. I've looked for the Food-grade stuff in Tractor Supply, Southern States, and Ace Hardware. Ace had the Safer Brand, but it didn't say 'food grade' on it. And NONE of the salespeople had even heard of DE... even when I explained it to them! Ha! Anyway - I would rather not order it online, but might have to. I wonder if they could order food-grade stuff for me, so I wouldn't have to pay for shipping....

My husband bought it because the guy that owned the shop said he had other customers that used it on their animals, and themselves... so maybe we'll be OK - but I'm not buying any more unless it says specifically 'food grade'!

Miss Prissy - I hope it doesn't turn out to be a long drawn out thing...! Either quick or not at all please... (as If I can put in an order! LOL)

 

[Chicken Boo]

Is there contact information for the company on the container? Call them and get the answer. If there is not, try finding the company on the web.

 

[cgmccary]

Your birds should probably be alright since you only put it in their feed once; it is OK that you dusted them with the non-food grade or put it in their dust holes-- just NO more in their feed.

Also, the Food Grade DE thing is all HYPE-- it is NOT an effective wormer; it is no more effective as a de-louser/ mite preventative as white quartz (playground safe) sand or some good dry dirt. I wouldn't waste my money on it.

Clean drinking water & a clean, safe environment along with good ventilation are more important. Don't believe all the DE hype!