All About Diatomaceous Earth

Ensuring your chickens stay healthy and free from parasites is easier with diatomaceous earth (DE). Here are the steps to ensure proper usage for it to be effective and prevent potential health risks from inhalation, both for you and your feathered friends!

Using DE in your chicken coop and run can be an effective and natural way to prevent pests like mites and lice on your chickens and can help alleviate having to use chemicals. This is a natural insecticide and works by causing the exoskeletons of insects to dry out and lose their protective coating, ultimately leading to the death of the pests.

DE is a naturally occurring, soft, sedimentary rock made up of the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny aquatic organisms like algae. These diatoms have hard, silica-based shells, and when they die, their shells accumulate on the ocean floor and form deposits. The mined and processed form of these deposits is what we commonly refer to as diatomaceous earth.

There are two main types of DE: food-grade and industrial-grade. It’s very important to use food-grade DE for your chicken coop. This type is safe for animals and humans, as opposed to industrial-grade DE, which can be harmful if inhaled. However, it is important to wear a dust mask and eyewear while applying DE to protect yourself from inhaling the fine particles of dust. It is recommended to use a dust applicator or a small handheld spreader to help distribute DE evenly.

DE is considered environmentally friendly because it is a natural substance and breaks down over time without leaving harmful residues.

Before you apply DE to your coop and run, it’s important to remove all your chickens and place them at a safe distance, such as let them free range. It’s best if you can do it on a dry day so the coop and run will be completely dry when you apply the dust. Open up all windows or vents to help keep the coop ventilated while you apply the DE. Clean the chicken coop thoroughly by removing all the bedding and droppings. Rake out the droppings and other debris from the run. Sprinkle a thin layer of DE on all surfaces of the coop, including the floor, roosts, nesting boxes, and cracks and crevices where pests may hide. Spread the dust throughout the run with special attention around the perimeter. Reapply DE periodically, especially after cleaning the coop. This helps maintain its effectiveness in controlling pests.

It is not advisable to dust the chickens directly as this increases their chance of inhaling the dust. Another indirect way to treat the chickens with DE is to add it to their dust bath. A dust bath is one of the best ways for a chicken to manage external parasites on their own. Provide a designated dust bath area in the run and add DE to it but you should ensure there is not so much that the chickens inhale it when they kick up the dust. Chickens naturally dust bathe to control pests, and DE can enhance this natural behavior.

Store DE in a cool, dry place away from moisture. This helps prevent clumping and ensures its effectiveness.

Remember that diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating and disrupting the exoskeletons of insects, so it’s important to reapply after cleaning or if there is a significant rainfall. Always follow the recommended guidelines for application and use food-grade diatomaceous earth to ensure the safety of your chickens.