What to include in a dust bath?

[TheMightyRooster]

Hi guys

So I want to introduce my chickens to a dust bath this spring but not sure what to use. I plan on using a shallow tubrug for the container and using soil from my garden mixed with kids play sand and some diatomaceous earth. Would that suffice? I’ve heard of people using wood ash but I can’t seem to find that anywhere and I can’t burn wood either so was going to go without.

 

[WIchickMama]

I don't have a specific dust baths for the chickens. They just lay down and go to town where they want. Lol. Sometimes it is in the coop and sometimes in the run. I have a mix of dirt, straw, wood chips and dry leaves in the run and then they kick out pine shavings from the coop.

 

[3KillerBs]

My chickens dig their own dustbaths in the coop and run. I don't know what attracts them to a specific spot, but I know that they move spots from time to time for whatever reasons make sense to them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just the soil should be fine. Some folks include sand too. You're going to get mixed answers on the use of DE.

I just use peat moss, but if the dust bath is closed or too full, the birds will dig holes to roll around in the run floor.

 

[Aunt Angus]

My girls love sawdust and dirt. And sometimes I'll throw wood ash out there after we clean out the fireplace. But, like the others said, mine will dig their own wherever they feel like it. I've had designated areas for them, and they'll dig holes right next to those dust baths.

Divas - all of them!