Keeping our rabbit homes cozy, clean, and happy can sometimes feel like a juggling act. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with Diatomaceous Earth, PDZ, and Lime on my dirt floors, and I wanted to share what I’ve learned—the good, the tricky, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever wondered which option might be best for your rabbitry, I’ve put together a full breakdown in this week’s blog. I love sharing little nuggets of knowledge—we’re always learning! Even a bit of insight can go a long way toward happier buns…and a happier you.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

What it is: Powder made from fossilized diatoms (microscopic algae).

Properties / Benefits:

• Natural insect control – kills mites, fleas, and crawling insects by dehydrating them.
• Absorbs some moisture, but not as much as PDZ.
• Odor control is mild.

Concerns:

• Can be irritating to lungs (for both rabbits and humans) if inhaled.
• Must be kept dry to remain effective.
• Food-grade DE is safe around animals; pool-grade is toxic.

PDZ (Stall Refresher, Zeolite)

What it is: A natural mineral (zeolite) often marketed for horse stalls.

Properties / Benefits:

• Excellent ammonia control – binds ammonia gas and neutralizes odors.
• Good moisture absorption, keeps bedding fresher longer.
• Safe around animals; often used directly under bedding.

Concerns:

•  Not insecticidal (won’t control mites/flies like DE).
•  Slightly more expensive than lime.

Lime (Agricultural / Barn Lime, not hydrated lime)

What it is: Ground limestone (calcium carbonate).

Properties / Benefits:

• Reduces acidity in soil/floor, which discourages bacterial growth.
• Controls odor by neutralizing urine acidity.
• Very affordable and widely available.

Concerns:

• Hydrated lime (quicklime/slaked lime) is caustic and unsafe for rabbits – stick to ag lime only.
• Can be dusty, may cause irritation if over-applied.
• Less effective at moisture absorption compared to PDZ.

Key Differences / Best Uses

• For odor & ammonia control: PDZ is most effective.
• For insect/pest control: DE is the go-to.
• For cheap, broad use & pH balancing: Lime is reliable.

Many rabbit keepers combine them: lime as a base for pH and odor, PDZ for ammonia and moisture, and DE sprinkled in problem spots for insects.

Stay Fluffy My Friends,
Tammy, Fuzzy Vaughn’s Farm
Happiness is measured in Giant Angoras

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