Chickens and diatomaceous earth

[ArkRescue]

"By now, if you keep chickens you have come across or at least heard about diatomaceous earth. It has many uses and benefits for the backyard flock. Diatomaceous earth was formed a very long time ago. It is made from fossilized, microscopic, hard-shelled algae called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth attacks fleas, ticks, mites, and digestive tract worms by slicing into the outer shell or layer of their bodies. This process, called desiccation, leads to dehydration causing most of the pests to die in a matter of hours. Diatomaceous earth works best in dry settings. When wet, it's effectiveness is questionable. When you are using diatomaceous earth with your chickens be sure that it is food grade diatomaceous earth only (FGDE). This is critical as diatomaceous earth is used in other situations and not all diatomaceous earth on the market is food grade."

Using Diatomaceous Earth in Backyard Poultry Keeping -- Community Chickens