2 wks old dust bath too young

[4milefarm]

Is 2 wks old too young for a dust bath? I am reading conflicting info on the web, I tried a small shallow dish of clean dry sifted dirt and a cap size of sand thrown in and they just immediately are trying to eat and peck at it. I have read that’s fine- and I have also read about possible impaction if they eat too much. Any advice? They loved it the minute I left it in there, but it’s not worth hurting one.

 

[The Happster]

My chicks were out mudbathing the day after they hatched. Mother hen insisted. She does this every time. As soon as they are able to totter around, she drags them outside to experience the joy of, well, chucking mud everywhere.

 

[4milefarm]

My chicks were out mudbathing the day after they hatched. Mother hen insisted. She does this every time. As soon as they are able to totter around, she drags them outside to experience the joy of, well, chucking mud everywhere.

When I put it in their brooder they just start eating it and competing with the others to eat it, so I pull it back out. One will bathe but the others just fight with each other to eat it, they have a large feeder full of food down as well.