Ashes in the run?

[PdxChick]

This will be my first winter with chickens. I read in another topic that some of you add your fireplace ashes to the run. Does this help with parasites? Or is there another reason? We have two fireplaces that we use quite frequently in the winter. I usually use the ashes in the garden, but would gladly spread them in the run if that is a better use for them. Thanks for all the great info on this forum.

 

[MissPrissy]

The ashes will help with parasites. I wouldn't over load the chicken yard with them but a good bucket full in their dust bathing area once in a while is good for them.

 

[chickenchok]

what about charcoal ashes from the grill?

 

[speckledhen]

I wouldn't do charcoal from the grill, since there is lighter fluid/medium in them. Plain old wood ash is what you need.

 

[chickenchok]

Quote:
We don't use lighter fluid... just newspaper to start the charcoal. So would that be ok?

 

[speckledhen]

Isn't that type of charcoal impregnated with a starting medium, though?

 

[chickenchok]

Quote:
Nope... it's just good old charcoal.. no starter fluid medium

 

[vfem]

Oh this is good to know... we're planning on a bon fire on friday for halloween of the brush and left over trees we cut down. I know my ladies love their dust bathes.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

We use wood ashes in the chicken pens & it has helped with egg production. Don't know how, but it works for us.

Jean

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

I have seen them use burnt out fire pits overseas they seem to really enjoy these.