Is diatomaceous earth really as good for chickens as people say it is? This natural substance gets a lot of good press in the poultry community, but there have been safety concerns in recent years about respiratory problems.
I don’t trust products that claim to be cure-all miracles, but diatomaceous earth has worked well for me in the past.
This article talks about some of the ways that diatomaceous earth can be used to help chickens and looks for research that backs these up.
Using diatomaceous earth (DE) in your chicken coop is an effective and natural way to control pests like mites and lice But how often should you apply it to keep your flock protected? In this article, we’ll look at how DE works, how often to use it for pest control, and tips for safe application
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
DE is a powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. The skeletons of these diatoms are mostly silica, giving DE an abrasive texture that can cut through the waxy outer coating of soft-bodied insects and arachnids When they come into contact with DE, it causes the pests to lose moisture and eventually die from dehydration
DE is safe for chickens as long as it is used correctly. Food-grade or agricultural grade DE is safe to have around chickens. Pool-grade or industrial grade DE has more crystalline silica in it and shouldn’t be used in the coop.
How Does DE Work for Pest Control?
DE provides long-lasting pest control by sticking to the bodies of pests like lice, mites, and beetles as they crawl through it. The microscopic particles get caught between legs and joints and abrade the waxy cuticle of the pests, leading to dehydration and death.
DE is not a pesticide that poisons the bugs. It works mechanically by damaging their protective outer layer, so they lose water and dry out. That’s why DE may take longer to kill pests than chemical pesticides, but repeated applications will control infestations.
How Often Should I Apply DE for Pests?
For DE to be effective, you need to reapply it regularly since it wears off surfaces and gets kicked out of nesting areas. Here are some guidelines on frequency:
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For lice – Dust each chicken thoroughly every 3-4 days for 2 weeks. Also, give them access to DE dust baths.
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For mites – Apply monthly to coop and nesting areas. More often if there is a heavy infestation.
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For flies and beetles – Apply DE along walls, in cracks and corners, and on the floor of the coop weekly or biweekly.
You’ll need to reapply after cleaning the coop fully. DE lasts longer in dry, safe places than in areas with a lot of traffic. So give treats more often in places where chickens are likely to kick it up, like entryways, under perches, and around feeders.
Tips for Safe Application of DE
Follow these tips to safely and effectively apply diatomaceous earth in your coop:
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Wear a dust mask and protective eyewear when applying DE to avoid breathing in the dust. Also cover your chickens’ faces.
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Lightly dust nest boxes, roosts, the floor, and cracks. Rub DE into wooden surfaces.
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Use a hand duster to puff DE into hard to reach areas. Avoid clumping.
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Put it on at night, when the chickens are sleeping, so they don’t start to scratch right away.
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Remove DE from feeding and watering areas to prevent ingestion.
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Provide DE dust baths for chickens to “dust” themselves.
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Store unused DE in sealed containers out of reach of chickens.
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Monitor for signs that DE isn’t controlling pests and reapply more frequently if needed.
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Replace DE after getting very wet as clumping reduces effectiveness.
Is DE Safe for Chickens?
Food-grade DE is considered safe for use around chickens as long it is used properly. Here are some safety precautions:
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Avoid breathing in DE dust by wearing a mask and using controlled application methods.
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Prevent chickens from inhaling dust by covering their heads and faces when applying DE directly to their bodies.
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Feed chickens DE according to package directions, usually no more than 2% of feed ration.
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Use food-grade DE only, not the industrial or pool grade products.
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Provide plenty of fresh water at all times to avoid dehydration.
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Watch for signs of respiratory distress and discontinue use if issues arise.
Overall, DE can be used safely when appropriate care is taken to prevent inhalation of large quantities of dust. Limiting exposure to the fine particles is key for you and your flock’s health.
Using diatomaceous earth can be an effective way to control pest infestations and reduce the need for chemical treatments in your chicken coop. Apply DE regularly, especially during pest season, and supplement with frequent spot treatments of problem areas. Following safety precautions and application tips will allow you to harness the benefits of DE while avoiding potential downsides like respiratory irritation. Check your coop frequently and adjust your DE application schedule as needed to keep pests at bay.
Food grade diatomaceous earth
Secondly, diatomaceous earth for chickens is “food grade”. It contains amorphous silica. There are also products for other purposes. Many are heat-treated and contain crystalline silica, which isn’t recommended for poultry.
Additionally, it is a smart idea to make sure that the diatomaceous earth you are purchasing is safe for chickens.
Some other types of DE contain high quantities of silica, which are linked to respiratory problems. It would be best if you avoided these. Particles of crystalline silica can stick to the lungs when inhaled to cause a respiratory disease called silicosis.
For example, swimming pools can use DE, and there is a high crystalline silica content in swimming pool grade DE. Look for products that say “food grade” or buy products specifically for use with poultry.
On these items, the label might say “less than (a certain percentage of) crystalline silica” or “amorphous silica” if you’re not sure. Look for products with a LOW percentage of crystalline silica, ideally 1% or less.
Diatomaceous earth dust bath
If my chickens have mites or lice, I will mix some diatomaceous earth into my chickens’ dust bath. I sprinkle diatomaceous earth on top of potting soil or play pit sand and then mix it in well. It’s not incredibly dusty; it sticks well to the compost or sand, which is probably ever so slightly damp.
Whilst adding diatomaceous earth to dust baths increases the chance of respiratory problems, if left to their own devices, they will find a dusty spot in the garden and create clouds of dust anyway.
On balance, considering they have a limited time using a diatomaceous earth dust bath, and it helps them rid themselves of parasites, I feel it is worthwhile.
Sometimes, my hens will go into a clean chicken house and create a dust bath in the wood shavings in which I have added a little diatomaceous earth, which has the same effect.
I have some chickens that are over 12 years old, and they haven’t given up having a dust bath from time to time when they need it!
Diatomaceous Earth For Chickens: Why and How To Use Properly
FAQ
How do you apply diatomaceous earth to a chicken coop?
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth in the Chicken Coop? Applying diatomaceous earth in the coop is simple: Sprinkle on the Coop Floor: Dust a small amount on the floor of the coop, particularly in corners and along walls where pests might hide. Cover it with bedding to help contain any dust.
How often should I apply diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) needs to be reapplied when it gets wet (from rain or dew) or when it is disturbed (vacuumed, swept away). For initial pest control, DE should be reapplied weekly for a month to ensure thorough eradication.
Can you give chickens too much diatomaceous earth?
One big worry among chicken keepers about DE is that it could hurt a chicken’s lungs. It is important to note that DE (like any dust) can harm your lungs because of its abrasiveness.
How often should I dust my chickens for mites?
As with the other chicken mites, you will need to retreat an infected chicken two or three times after the initial treatment to kill any nits (mite eggs) that hatch. Retreatment is best done several times a week to treat serious infestations.