What is Diatomaceous Earth and How to Use it in the Chicken Coop?

If you're new to chicken keeping, you might have heard about diatomaceous earth as a way to keep your coop and chickens healthy. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit your chooks?

Diatomaceous earth—sometimes called “DE”—is a natural powder that’s become popular among chicken keepers for its ability to keep coops clean and pests at bay. Made from fossilized diatoms, this powder acts as a natural way to tackle mites, lice, and other pests without the need for harsh chemicals

For Aussie backyard chicken keepers looking for simple, safe, and effective solutions, diatomaceous earth is a great way to fight mites, lice, and other pests in the coop without heavy chemicals. It’s 100% safe and food-grade, meaning it won’t have any negative effects on egg production or the health of your chickens.

If you’re keen to give it a go, we recommend bird and poultry-grade diatomaceous earth, specially made for use around chickens. You can find it on Dine-A-Chook here.

Now, let’s walk through exactly what diatomaceous earth does, how to use it, and what makes it safe for your chickens.

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Key Takeaways

• Diatomaceous earth helps control mites, lice, and other parasites in the coop and on chickens.
• Diatomaceous earth absorbs moisture, reducing humidity and keeping bedding drier
• It supports coop cleanliness by being easy to sprinkle in bedding and nests, helping maintain a cleaner, odor-free environment
• Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for chickens when used correctly
• Adding around 2% of DE in chickens' diet might help control worms and support digestion
• You can order high-quality Bird and Poultry Grade diatomaceous earth from Dine-A-Chook

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny marine algae.

This powder works by damaging the outer shells of pests like mites and lice, causing them to dehydrate. Since it’s all-natural, it’s perfect for backyard flocks and has become a go-to for organic and small-scale chicken keepers here in Australia.

Research Insight: A study in Poultry Science found that diatomaceous earth "has the potential to be an effective treatment to help control parasites and improve production of organically raised, free-range layer hens" (source).

Why Use Diatomaceous Earth in the Coop?

Using diatomaceous earth in your chicken coop has some real benefits for both you and your chickens:

• Natural Pest Control: Diatomaceous earth can help to manage mites, lice, and other pests in your coop and on your chickens, making it easier to keep your birds healthy.
• Keeps Bedding Dry: It absorbs moisture, which helps to keep bedding and nesting areas dry and fresh.
• Better Overall Cleanliness: Regular use helps prevent build-up of unwanted smells and mess, creating a cleaner coop environment.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth in the Chicken Coop?

Applying diatomaceous earth in the coop is simple:

1. Sprinkle on the Coop Floor: Dust a small amount on the floor of the coop, particularly in corners and along walls where pests might hide. Cover it with bedding to help contain any dust.
2. Add to Nests and Bedding: Lightly sprinkle it in nesting boxes and on top of bedding to discourage parasites in areas where your chickens spend a lot of time.
3. Apply to Chickens: If your chickens have mites or lice, you can dust a small amount directly on their feathers, focusing on the base of the feathers and near the vent. Be gentle to avoid over-dusting.
4. Regular Maintenance: Reapply every time you change the bedding or if you notice dampness.

Tip: When handling diatomaceous earth, wear gloves and a dust mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles, which can be drying to the skin. Inhaling the DE dust might irritate the lungs.

→ Buy diatomaceous earth for poultry

Can You Add Diatomaceous Earth to Your Chicken’s Diet?

Another interesting use for diatomaceous earth is as a dietary supplement for chickens.

Some keepers add small amounts of food-grade diatomaceous earth to their chicken feed, claiming benefits for digestion and parasite control.

While adding it to their diet isn’t essential, here’s how it’s thought to help:

1. Worm Control: DE is believed to prevent parasite larvae from maturing and may even help get rid of worms in chickens. However, keep in mind it can take up to two months for any effect on worms to show, and there’s no solid scientific evidence confirming DE as an internal worm preventative. It's best used as a supplementary approach rather than a sole method for parasite control. Read more about worming chickens.
2. Supporting Digestion: Some chicken keepers find that adding DE to feed can help promote better digestion. A study published in Poultry Science found some reduction in parasites when 2% DE was added to the diet. However, the evidence is not conclusive, so it’s worth experimenting carefully if you decide to try it.
3. Larger Eggs: The same study found out that chickens that had DE in their diet laid larger eggs.

How to Use: To add diatomaceous earth to your chicken’s diet, sprinkle about 2% of the total feed amount with DE, mix it well, and add the mixture to your chicken feeder.

Adding diatomaceous earth to your flock’s diet might offer a few health benefits, but it should be considered as just one part of your chicken care routine.

Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Chickens?

Yes, when using food-grade diatomaceous earth, it’s safe for chickens.

Just be mindful to avoid excessive dust, as too much powder can be irritating if inhaled. Light, occasional applications are best, especially around bedding areas and directly on chickens.

Where to Buy Diatomaceous Earth

For diatomaceous earth that’s made specifically for birds and poultry, check out Dine-A-Chook’s Bird and Poultry Grade Diatomaceous Earth.

Our 4kg bag will last you a long time.

It’s an easy way to source quality diatomaceous earth that’s safe for your flock.

Alternatives to Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a great all-rounder, but here are a few alternative options you might want to consider:

1. David Grays Poultry Dust: This is another popular product for controlling parasites like mites, flies, lice, and fleas. It’s specifically formulated for poultry, making it a reliable option to keep pests out of the coop. You can get it here.
2. Wood Ash: A natural, readily available option, wood ash can be dusted in coop areas to deter pests. Be sure to use untreated wood ash for the safest results.
3. Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, like rosemary and mint, can help to deter pests in a more gentle way. While not as potent as diatomaceous earth or poultry dust, nesting herbs can be added around the coop as a supplementary method.

Final Thoughts: Why Diatomaceous Earth is Great for Your Chicken Coop

Using diatomaceous earth in your chicken coop is a simple way to keep things cleaner, reduce pests, and maintain a fresh space for your birds.

A little goes a long way, and it can make your weekly coop maintenance easier by reducing moisture and preventing pest issues.

For a reliable, poultry-safe option, try Dine-A-Chook’s Bird and Poultry Grade Diatomaceous Earth.

A cleaner coop means healthier, happier chickens—give it a go today!