How to Use Diatomaceous Earth on Your Chickens

When raising chickens, mites and other pests can become a problem. Diatomaceous earth, also known as DE, is a completely organic substance that you can sprinkle in your chickens' coop to kill mite and insect populations that may be bothering you or your birds. DE is a white powder that is harvested from the remains of diatom (tiny algae) fossils. While it is considered to be safe to use, avoid creating a lot of DE dust when you use it in your chicken coop as it can be irritating to the nose and eyes.

Things You'll Need

  • Bag of food-grade diatomaceous earth
  • Face mask or bandana
  • Eye protection
  • New chicken litter (wood chips or straw)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a bag of diatomaceous earth from your local feed store or garden shop. DE often comes in 50-lb. bags. Make sure that the DE you buy is food grade.

    • 2

      Clean out your chicken coop and run completely. This is a good time to do that yearly cleaning and start fresh.

    • 3

      Sprinkle all areas of the coop and run thoroughly with the diatomaceous earth. Pay special attention to areas where the chickens like to take dust baths, or where you have noticed a lot of flies.

    • 4

      Don't worry too much about the chickens eating a little of the DE. It is a natural product that is often mixed into grain and may even help with internal parasites, according to BackyardChickens.com.

    • 5

      Place clean, new bedding (straw or wood chips work well) over the diatomaceous earth you have sprinkled in the chicken areas.