Chick baths

[FBMcrazy8]

So, I have tried to do some research with no luck. When you look up chick, Google just assumes you are talking adult chicken. When you put baby chick, you get different material but still generated to adult chickens. I tried looking on here, but not really what I was looking for.

The littles are trying to dust bath in their shavings. I knew Walmart(only store in the town next to us beside Farm King) had some dust bath in a container. Just thought it would be easier. However it said not to use it on chicks.

So I’m wondering what’s in it to not use it. Not really but I want to make my own, and wondering what all I can put in there. Besides dirt and sand. I have read about dried herbs and things like that. But is there something little ones can’t have in their dust bath or something?

 

[SilverBirds]

I just use a container and get dirt from outside. Nothing fancy.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Do you have a link to that Walmart product so we have an idea what you are talking about?

If the shavings are dry they can have a lot of fun taking a dust bath in the shavings. If you wish, you can put sand or dirt in a container and see if they use it. They might or they might prefer the shavings.

But is there something little ones can’t have in their dust bath or something?

Most herbs won't hurt them but they will possibly eat them if they are in big enough chunks for them to eat, like you break off a piece of live herbs. If they eat them they should have grit so they can grind them up. If you use sand they'll get grit from that.

Of course there are things that the chicks should not eat or be exposed to. That's an open ended question, no way anyone can list all of them. If you have a specific product you are worried about then tell us what it is, we can answer that kind of question.

 

[Battlepants]

I just use a container and get dirt from outside. Nothing fancy.

I second this suggestion. It's free and can (in theory) help kickstart their immune systems for dealing with the various bacteria/whatever in your soil. Additionally, they will scratch and peck through this stuff, getting small amounts of grit into their system, aiding in digestion.

 

[FBMcrazy8]

I have given them chick grit. 2 days ago actually. And I have taken them outside into a dirt patch. There isn’t anything specific that I’m wondering about besides maybe lavender. I have read 2 different things. That chickens wont eat it because it’s toxic…but I’m sure they are like every young animal/kid and try’s everything. And I have read that it isn’t toxic to them. So much info out there and sorting out the BS is kinda crazy stupid. There are places I know not to trust on the web but I figured talking to you all is best.

This is the one that the store in my town has…
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lixit-Poultry-Chicken-Dust-Bath-5-5-lbs/411292981

 

[Battlepants]

We have a pretty good list of known toxic plants here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/comprehensive-list-of-poisonous-plants-and-trees.627282/

But to your point of them not eating it because of it being toxic - they will taste them, but will typically stop eating well before it becomes a problem. My chicken area is surrounded by Pokeweed and Junipers and those haven't caused any problems here.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Made of 100% Pumice and sourced in the US.

Thanks for the link. I have no idea why ground pumice would be harmful to chicks and not to adults. You might contact the manufacturer and ask them why they say that. I also have no idea why ground pumice is any better than dirt or sand.

 

[FBMcrazy8]

Made of 100% Pumice and sourced in the US.

Thanks for the link. I have no idea why ground pumice would be harmful to chicks and not to adults. You might contact the manufacturer and ask them why they say that. I also have no idea why ground pumice is any better than dirt or sand.

I’m not sure either. I have 6 kids with me when I go to the store now that school is out so I didn’t really have time to look at what was in it or why. And really I was hoping that it would have been easier. I take them outside to a future flower garden we have built a wall up for but haven’t filled it in yet. It keeps the 18 of them contained…and they can all be out at once. And they hadn’t dust bathed in the dirt.

But as I’m typing this I have them out in it and one is now dust bathing . But I got them a tub anyway and put some dirt and sand in it today….we will see if they like it when they go back into the brooder.

 

[FBMcrazy8]

We have a pretty good list of known toxic plants here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/comprehensive-list-of-poisonous-plants-and-trees.627282/

But to your point of them not eating it because of it being toxic - they will taste them, but will typically stop eating well before it becomes a problem. My chicken area is surrounded by Pokeweed and Junipers and those haven't caused any problems here.

Thank you!!!!