Real? Or real stupid?!

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:13 pm

You're right, DE is used to prevent mites, etc from going into the nest but I just never heard of using felt before. I don't think there's enough room for a nest to slip around in a 4-1/2" x 4-1/2" area.

But it might be a good idea to use that material over by the entrance inside the jug if the birds can't catch their claws in it. I'll have to give a bit more thought to what I use there. Velcro would be easy to stick on, so it's just a matter of what to stick to the velcro.

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:39 pm

When you say DE, do you mean diatomaceous earth as used in pool filters?

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:00 pm

liz
The only reason I said felt so it wouldn't be the hard plastic to slip on ?

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:41 am

BillD wrote:When you say DE, do you mean diatomaceous earth as used in pool filters?

Yes I do refer to diatomaceous earth - but I don't know anything about pool filters.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:45 am

B CAMP wrote:liz
The only reason I said felt so it wouldn't be the hard plastic to slip on ?

Oh okay, so I may try it between the entrance hole and the nesting area where they could slip on the plastic jug 'floor'... or maybe some corrugated cardboard? Seems no matter what I glue on there they could peck at and pull apart. Might have to go back to very small sticks/twigs.

Still thinking...

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:12 am

This is the first I have ever heard of DE. I Googled it and understand what it is now.

Liz....where do you purchase something like this?

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:21 am

I ordered 1 pound online through a local vendor as it was very difficult to locate (at least in Canada). I believe if you Google it again, it's easier to locate online in the US, etc. You can't find anyone - let me know and I'll look back in my files and see who I ordered it from.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:42 am

I could check at local co-op feed store as we have those around here with many farm supplies. Unless there are different grades of this stuff. Maybe what is used for barn animals is not the same? Guess I will have to do more research on this.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:20 am

Here's a link to a local place that also ships to the USA.
http://www.treehelp.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=WS-5170

Though it appears they only have DE in 4 pound packs! That should last until the next millenium! But the price is good as I paid about $21 for my 1 pound bag including shipping.

As long as you get "food grade" DE - that would be perfect.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:56 am

Thanks for the info Liz!

franny · Post by **franny** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:06 pm

L in Ontario wrote:
BillD wrote:When you say DE, do you mean diatomaceous earth as used in pool filters?
Yes I do refer to diatomaceous earth - but I don't know anything about pool filters.

NO! Definitely DON"T use the same DE as for pool filters. You get a different kind that is considered Food Grade, which is used with poultry etc to control mites. That will control fleas, mites, etc. but is not harmful to the birds if eaten.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:46 am

glue some sand in there, would give the birds plenty of traction to get in or out would also help keep their nails trimmed. would have to use a glue that is non-toxic, maybe just mix flour & water (like they do at kindergartens for the kids)

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 8:58 pm

franny wrote:
L in Ontario wrote:
BillD wrote:When you say DE, do you mean diatomaceous earth as used in pool filters?
Yes I do refer to diatomaceous earth - but I don't know anything about pool filters.
NO! Definitely DON"T use the same DE as for pool filters. You get a different kind that is considered Food Grade, which is used with poultry etc to control mites. That will control fleas, mites, etc. but is not harmful to the birds if eaten.

Thanks Franny.. I was wondering about that. Pool DE is inexpensive, but obviously I don't want to use that. I'm glad you clarified that or I might have had a problem with my birds..

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 10:36 pm

Re-reading some info about DE - the type you want for birds is "Food Grade" DE.