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

[larrywatts]

THE DE YOU BOUGHT IS FOR FILTRATION , THE SILICA INSIDE THE DE WILL NOT DESOLVE . DO NOT USE IT WHERE THE CHIC'S WILL BREATH THE DE

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Diatomaceous earth (pronounced /ˌdaɪətəˈmeɪʃəs ˈɝè/) — also known as DE, TSS, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur or celite — is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silica, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron.

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.

 

[spatcher]

What you need to know is that filter grade DE has about 65% crystalline silica in it, and this is the bad stuff. Food grade DE (or fossil shell flour as it is also called), MUST have less than 3% crystalline silica content to be marketed as "food grade". Safest way to buy this product is to ensure it has "fossil shell flour" on the bag/box. Hope this helps!

 

[colby318]

If something happens, I'll BUY you some chicks.

I use food grade DE myself. I ordered it online. The shipping for the 50# bag costs as much as the DE itself.

Waiver---I'm not buying chicks for everyone on this board...

Colby in KY

 

[emandmikey]

That's sweet, Colby!

I think my girls are fine - they're acting completely normally today - and one more of them has started laying eggs! I'm so freaked about using the wrong DE that everything contaminated with it has either been cleaned today or thrown out... and I've already ordered some of the right stuff online. Thanks for everyone's help... and comments!

 

[Chix-in-GA]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you...

Its a good sign that they are doing OK now though....

Keep us posted!

 

[colby318]

I'm glad things turned out okay!!! Thinking you sabotaged your girls is like a kick in the gut. I know by making mistakes myself! I never thought I would agonize over my birds like I do. Isn't BYC great?! We're all here for each other.

Colby in KY

 

[damselfish]

Late coming in on this, but one other local place you might try for food-grade DE in future would be a holistic/health food type store. This is where DH found ours, a 25 lb (I think) bag of food grade/codex, & thus we did not have to order from the internet.

Don't know whether all DE claims are true, but sprinkling it in the litter does seem to keep the flies down in the summer.

Good luck with your chickens.

 

[emandmikey]

Thanks! I've thought about looking at a health foods store... but thought it would be unbelievably expensive there.

I'm so glad this forum is here! It's really great! Thanks everyone for your input - the girls are still doing great!

 

[lizardz]

I'm glad to hear your girls are doing well. It is so upsetting when we try to do what we think is the right thing, only to have it blow up in our face. Another place you can look for DE is at organic gardening stores. That's where I get mine (fortunately it's where I live, so I don't have to pay shipping!). Good luck.
Liz

 

[lovemychix]

I'm glad your girls are still doing well.

I feel your pain. IDK what I would have done in your case. I almost bought some DE on Ebay that wasnt food grade and gave it to mine before I researched it.