[poultrygeist]

Apparently certain catlitters contain, or are entirely, diatomous.

Does anyone know if they can be used in teh same way as diatom ?

ie. as an anti-mite under-litter covering.

Rob

ps. inspired by this posting

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=18107

[richyrich7]

No idea Rob, we'll wait with baited breath for some replies  

[poultrygeist]

Could start a mad rush for pet section at supermarkets !!

We've got half a bag left over so it would be good if it can be used for the purpose.
Especially at this time of year when all the little critters are looking for food and shelter.

Rob

[Foxy]

Interesting.....I think.... :shock:

Diatoms are tiny microscopic fossils. Strange to use as cat litter though!This picture I think is fascinating  as well as beautiful -diatoms under the microscope you can see how abrasive they would be to red mite!

[richyrich7]

 pic foxy

[poultrygeist]

I presume it stops any nasty worms and things surviving in the litter.

If you read that article posted on the link in my first post ( :?: ) it tells you about litter there. They're using it for bonsai of all things.

Rob

[poultrygeist]

Looks like an x ray of a broken clock.  

[Foxy]

A very titchy clock!!!

I going to bed.....cant believe I am thinking about cat litter!!! :oops:

nite everyone!

[poultrygeist]

nite foxy

i'm off too methinks. started scratchign from thoughts of mites.  :evil:

rob

[richyrich7]

Nite Foxy no dreaming about cat litter   and you too Rob

[Porffor]

What do you reckon then? any good? Had a look at the other thread, but i'm new to this so not sure if it's the same ingredient entirely.

Can see it helping to keep base dry, and make poo picking easy. but not sure it'd help with compsting of poo or keeping it for plants later...

[poultrygeist]

All I know is, most cat litters are made from dried clay, hence the absorbency.

But some are made partially or entirely from diatomous earth which I'm assuming is the same as diatom except it's in large granular form.

I've never actually seen diatom but I know Aunt Sally uses it. Hopefully she'll spot the thread and dive in.

I assume, once again, that diatom is in powder form. But crushing the cat litter should be easy enough. Couple of bricks maybe.

Would need someone with technical knowledge. Anyone got a degree in cat llitter ?

Rob

[Daisycow]

Can't help with info on cat litter, but I use diatom, it looks exactly like dust! I sprinkle it in the coop probably two-three times a month, and occasionally sprinkle it in the patch of dirt the girls use to bath in.  

[poultrygeist]

Thanks daisy Cow. That's helped with that query.

I suspect there's some subtle (or not so) difference between the 2 products or everyone would have been using it instead by now.

But worth investigating.

rob

[Porffor]

might just be easier to buy it then. just wondered