Chickens and dust baths

[beginner farmer]

Hello, ive had my first set of chickens for a couple of months now. I have a bucket with play sand for a dust bath, but they won't touch it. They will use an old flower pot with potting soil in it. Does anyone know why they won't use the play sand and if I can use Dr Earth organic & natural pot of gold all purpose potting soil instead of the play sand?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Why not try some regular, dry soil from your garden Here are some helpful links:

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Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[CluckerFamily]

Add dirt to that sand, the sand may not be loose enough. My flock will gladly use dirt over anything else.

 

[svh]

Sounds expensive .....Can't you just dig up some dirt from the yard ?

 

[Vickischics]

Mine like to dust bathe in the most lightest dirt sand. When they are flapping and rolling, the more they like it. The dirt is flying everywhere!
They probably like the old potting soil because it's light and fluffy. Sand tends to be heavier and doesn't fling around. You can mix your sand with the potting soil they like. More the merrier they say.
Or, since you know they like the potting soil, let them have it!

 

[Starburst]

Hi, and welcome to BYC! So excited you joined!
Make yourself at home in this amazing community!
I know that my chickens tend to go and find their own place to dust bathe, but they always seem to gravitate towards some nice dry dirt. I haven't seen them use sand before, but it could just be my hens.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Your sand may be too clean for them. Chickens like to get really covered in dirt to the skin. Helps to absorb oils and ward off bugs. You can just throw some soil in there to dirty it up a bit.

Welcome to our community!

 

[beginner farmer]

Sounds expensive .....Can't you just dig up some dirt from the yard ?

I grow rocks and clay where im at. It also takes heavily soaking the ground or equipment to dig.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Any cheap soil will due.

 

[Fuchsia]

Hello and Welcome!!!!!