Dust baths

[Farm Party-4-2]

Hello everyone! I’m looking for the best ingredients to add in my dust bath for my two girls. I’ve read several different options, but looking for the safest and healthiest things to add. Any advice would be a great help! Thanks in advance

 

[NestingMillenial]

I have no personal experience with them, but since I was JUST looking this up maybe I can share a link I found (I found many but that one looked well researched and had some sources linked that made it pretty convincing I thought) - hope others can chime in with experience!

https://www.heritageacresmarket.com/chicken-dust-bath/#How_To_Make_A_Dust_Bath

 

[TooCheep]

Just dirt. Free ranging chickens create their own holes and dust bath in the dry soil. Usually, they will do it in a shaded area that is safer from predators. In an enclosed area, you can just put in some type of container and load it with whatever mix you want. Understand that they will kick out the material over time and you'll need to refill it periodically.

 

[SilverBirds]

I just use regular dirt from the yard. Nothing fancy. Two things not to get are DE (Diatomaceous Earth) and playground sand. Both can give chickens nasty respiratory infections.

 

[Farm Party-4-2]

I just use regular dirt from the yard. Nothing fancy. Two things not to get are DE (Diatomaceous Earth) and playground sand. Both can give chickens nasty respiratory infections.

Thank you for this useful info!

 

[3KillerBs]

I don't do anything for my chickens' dust baths.

They dig their own dust baths according to their personal preferences for whatever reason makes sense according to their instincts.