The Effect of Diatomaceous Earth on Chickens

Diatomaceous earth (DE) isn't really "earth" or "dirt." It is an all natural product with a multitude of uses, including in the chicken coop. According to Golden Harvest Organics, DE is a mineral-based pesticide made up of fossilized water plants.

  1. Food Grade

    • It is important that you use food grade DE in the chicken yard and coops, as well as in the brooder for the new chicks. There are no chemicals added to food grade DE during processing.

    Mites and Lice

    • DE can be dusted between the wing feathers of your poultry to reduce the amount of lice and mites that live on the chickens. You can also use it as a dust bath in the chicken yard.

    Excrement

    • DE is very helpful in dehydrating or drying out the fecal matter left in the chicken yard. Because it dries out the excrement faster, DE reduces the smell in the coop and the yard.

    Flies

    • Controlling flies is not only critical to the health of your chickens but to your health as well. DE particles are so sharp they penetrate the flies' bodies and cause dehydration.

    Caution

    • Always wear a dust mask when spreading or sifting DE to avoid irritation of your mucus membranes. Once the DE is applied, however, that is no longer a danger.