Can I use saw dust for my "sand bath'?

[pdemorro]

Hi! I am the proud new owner of 5 silkies and I'm clueless! They have arun but the dirt is very compact. Can I make a sand bath tub with saw dust or kids sand box sand? I heard that they need this if they are not free range. Thank you for your help.
Patty

 

[newchickenfamily]

When my chicks were in the brooder box, I used sand from my kids sand box. They used it for a "sand bath" and they ate it for grit too.

 

[Cat_n_da_hat]

I am new to the site and to raising chickens but my brother has had them for years , he told me he likers to use wood ashes in there dust boxes, says it really helps cut down on mites etc because of the lye.

 

[pdemorro]

Do you mean wood ashes from a fire place? I have plenty of that. Thanks for your help.

Patty

 

[Cat_n_da_hat]

Ya thats what he uses, he lives on the iowa minn border and heats with wood so he has lots of em too.

 

[redoak]

I have a cat litter box filled with wood ashes in my coop for the girls. They frequently use it and I haven't seen any mites yet. They kick the ashes all over so I keep it as far from the water/feed as possible.