Diatomaceous Earth granules?

[Princess Lay-a]

I found some diatomaceous earth, but in granule form. It does say "100% diatomaceous earth" on the bag. So, there is no silicone or other stuff. But it was not food grade. Is this still ok for the chickens who are now 10-11 weeks old?

 

[LadyinRed]

Careful! Its likely the stuff for pools and that is toxic!

 

[Princess Lay-a]

I'm a little confused. If it is 100% DE, just in larger chunks how would it be harmful?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It does say "100% diatomaceous earth" on the bag. So, there is no silicone or other stuff. But it was not food grade.

DE is about 90% Silica, so that part is wrong

100 % DE would be a fine powder , similar to flour

If it's NOT "Food Grade" it's not safe.​

 

[Princess Lay-a]

Ok, I'll see about taking it back. Where can I get the right stuff? I was told to check the garden shop at ACE by the people at our local Big R store. We get all our critters stuff there, but they had nothing.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

As mined, the DE used for pools and that used for people and animals is pretty much the same. HOWEVER, as processed, the industrial variations are treated with very high heat with alters the crystalline structure and makes breathing it VERY DANGEROUS. Breathing the food grade version is bad, breathing the industrial grade is VERY, VERY bad.

That said, there is no reason that the food grade could not be ground into a larger, granular size instead of ground to a powder,

 

[ivan3]

You might try Canton Mills (MN) to see if they have any feed stores that they supply in your area (we pay $24.95 for 50lb.). They supply feed stores here in MO. (used to be able to get the Perma Guard).

As the ADE (amorphous diatomaceous earth) works best (insecticide/desiccant) as a dust, I wouldn't bother with granules.

You might want to take a gander at this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=295586&p=1