cheap and easy dust bath?

[churchx3]

I put out a bag of play sand and added some DE...they love it! Just put it on the ground, no container needed.

 

[biddyboo]

We rev up our small tiller and loosen the dirt after rains or long dry spells for our hens. A couple years ago we had a load of dirt delivered/dumped just outside their chicken yard. We have not reseeded the area and it's become a favorite dust bath spa, when they're not throwing mulch around in our flower beds! ~G

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Kiddie pools work great. Wood can be made into a bottomless frame, too. I keep a dust bath under cover for the chickens, to keep it dry. We get a lot of rain here.

Sand makes a great base. We have heavy clay here, too. When it's not dry and hard, it's wet, mucky and takes forever to dry out. I love the sand! Mine also get in a mood for peat moss at times. Plain wood ash is a good additive, too. A little DE. Your dirt can be added into the sand, too, which will keep it loose. It's all good.

 

[TK Poultry]

Quote:
Thats what I do because I garden out of pots on the back porch and When gardening season is over then I give them the plants and the soil THEY LOVE IT. I also give them fresh veggies all summer

 

[markb816]

So what is DE? and what is its purpose? Sorry, I'm new to all this.
Where can I get some DE? feed store maybe? What is the price and how much would I need for 8 adult hens?
Should I get some even if I don't see mites as prevention?
Would you recommend DE? and what else would you recommend for a healthy hen??

 

[cybercat]

Cheap and easy just use one of the area the dogs have trapled. Dig it up bit make it a depression add wood ash and sand all done. No need to buy a container.