The TRUTH About Diatomaceous Earth vs. Lime for Chickens (What No One Tells You!)

Are you using diatomaceous earth or lime the right way? Or worse—are you wasting your time and putting your flock at risk? In this video, Taylor from Those Cluckin’ Nashes breaks down the real science, benefits, and dangers behind two of the most talked-about natural chicken products: food-grade DE and First Saturday Lime.

We’ll show you:

• What DE really does (and doesn’t do)

• The controversial truths no one talks about

• How WE use both products to keep our flock healthy

• Why we’ve NEVER had a mite or lice problem

• The massive ant infestation we solved naturally (plugged Reel below!)

• Why you need both of these in your chicken toolkit

• Plus: plenty of nerdy science, real-world results, and no fluff. Just facts, fun, and flock wisdom.

🧪 For Anyone Who Loves to Fact-Check!

I’m all about keeping things real and science-backed here at Those Cluckin’ Nashes — so if you want to see where I got my info on food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) for chickens, here are the actual studies and sources below. I always encourage you to read the research for yourself and make the best decision for your own flock!

Sources & Studies on Food-Grade DE in Chickens:

“Effect of diatomaceous earth on parasite load, egg production, and egg quality in laying hens.”
Poultry Science, 2011 — Hens fed 2% DE had significantly fewer Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum worms and laid more eggs with stronger shells.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21673...

“Effect of Diatomaceous Earth on Growth Rate, Egg Production, Feed Conversion Efficiency, and Parasitic Load in Hens Raised on Deep Litter.”
Uganda/Nigeria field trial, 2021 — 2% DE in feed reduced both internal (A. galli) and external (lice, mites) parasites and improved feed efficiency.
https://www.researchgate.net/publicat...

“Use of diatomaceous earth as a dietary supplement in organic hens.”
WPSA-AECA Conference, Spain, 2017 — 1.35% DE in feed slightly reduced internal parasite counts and improved certain egg metrics.
chrome-extension://bdfcnmeidppjeaggnmidamkiddifkdib/viewer.html?file=https://www.wpsa-aeca.es/aeca_imgs_docs/15369_com-11.pdf

“Fossil Shell Flour (Diatomaceous Earth): Uses, Composition, and Effects.”
Frontiers in Animal Science / PMC6466221 — Summarizes DE’s mineral composition and potential roles as a natural additive, toxin binder, and digestive aid.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...

Extension & Expert Notes:

Merck Veterinary Manual notes DE can help reduce helminths like Heterakis when used at ~2% of feed.

PoultryKeeper and The Chicken Chick both acknowledge results are mixed, but DE can be a valuable natural support in an overall flock health plan.

Takeaway:

💧 DE loses its drying power when wet, but that doesn’t mean it stops working — research shows internal benefits through mechanical and mineral effects.

🪶 It’s not a miracle dewormer, but it can help reduce parasite loads and support better egg quality and feed conversion.

🐔 Use it as one tool in a well-rounded flock care routine — not a standalone cure.

Check out these related Reels for more info:

“Why You NEED DE in Your Chicken Feed”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIuLt3...

“ANTS TOOK OVER - Here's What Saved Our Coop"
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJubyc...

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