Studies have shown chickens fed DE have an increase the amount of eggs, decreases the mortality rate, keeps mites away, helps to dry up droppings, helps with flies and decrease worm loads in the GI tract. It also found that hens fed DE in their diets laid eggs with more albumin and yolk . I also love that my hens are getting the valuable trace minerals. In the feed, it keeps insects from spoiling the feed too.
In the newly cleaned coop I sprinkle it into the corners, edges, in the nesting boxes and onto the floor prior to adding a fresh new layer of bedding. We never have had a pest problem inside the coop and we live in a very wooded area! This product as been a terrific addition to my backyard chicken experience. I love that something easy and natural is so beneficial.
As a word of precaution, DE should only be used in well ventilated areas and should be avoided getting it into your eyes, nose and throat. As you research DE, you will surely come across literature that discusses the health risks associated with accidental inhalation. The condition is called Silicosis. Silicosis is a medical condition of the lung that occurs with regular repeated inhalation over a period of many years. Silicosis can also be caused from the use of sand (silica dust) in the coop and run. So please take precautions when using sand or DE.
Update 6/11/2013: Please click here to read an article that I wrote for Community Chickens on DE- chock full of even more information, including precautions that you should take if using DE with your flock.
Poult Sci. 2011 Jul;90(7):1416-26. doi: 10.3382/ps.2010-01256.
Effect of diatomaceous earth on parasite load, egg production, and egg quality of free-range organic laying hens. Bennett DC1, Yee A, Rhee YJ, Cheng KM.
RESULTS OF THE USE OF CODEX FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH WITH POULTRY, C.S. Mangen, DVM, San Diego, California
9 thoughts on “Fossils for Chickens?!”
Where would I find a good de?
Hi Malik. Most natural food stores do carry it. It is also available online at a few places like: http://www.treatsforchicken.com, http://www.eggcartons.com and http://www.mypetchicken. Be sure you only purchase "food grade" diatomaceous earth.
Hi!!! I love your blog!!!! I was wondering if you find that the DE helps with flies??? We live in South Louisiana where flies are a huge problem and our most annoying pest aside from mosquitos of course!! We have had our chickens for 2 years now and have used the DE the whole time, but no relief with flies. Just wondering if there is a secret! Im not putting it in their food…wonder if that could be it???
Hi Kellye! Thank you! I am not too sure about the DE for the flies, but I did do another blog post that might help with some ideas for you: https://www.tillysnest.com/2012/05/backyard-chickens-and-flies.html
Is this just for USA people?
I know they do sell it in the U.K. I am not sure if folks else where use DE. Perhaps it is a good question to post in the forum of backyardchickens.com
Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I sprinkled some in the coop, some in their peat moss run, and along the edge of the coop.
I have read that DE is harmful to bees and pollinators ? Is this true? Thank you. I love your blog/website !
Yes, DE is harmful to all insects including bees. I still use it in the chicken coop and run. I also on occasion use it in my garden- avoiding all blooms. DE is only harmful if bees or other insects come in direct contact with it.