Chickens and dust baths

[beginner farmer]

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!

this is what I was going to do, is just give them potting soil. I know I dont want the kind with the little styrofoam stuff in it, but im not sure what other things to look out for. The Dr Earth stuff says its people and animal friendly so I was gonna go with that one.

 

[beginner farmer]

Hello and Welcome!!!!!

Thank you

 

[beginner farmer]

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!

This is left over play sand that's been out in the pasture with the cows for years lol. I didnt think it was too clean.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to our FUNomenal Community!
Best Wishes & Be Well!

 

[Eggscaping]

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?

Welcome to BackYardChickens! So glad to have you here in our wonderful community of friendly, helpful, knowledgeable people! Ours prefer plain old garden dirt. I'd let them choose their own bath-water.

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. The sand is too coarse and abrasive for them to use.

 

[N F C]

Hello, it's nice to have you here with us!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're so glad you joined us!

 

[Isaac 0]

Hello, and Welcome to BYC!

 

[Vickischics]

Yes, you can spend all the money in the world on this or that but, the bottom line is your precious fluffy butts love plain ol' light n fluffy DIRT!
Lol
Mine love the dirt under the boat!! Good old fashion light and dusty dirt.
They twirl and spin and dig alittle hole in it.
I thought of you today when they ran over to me and began to Shake all that dirt off! I began to laugh.
Have Fun. Everyday is an adventure I swear!
Welcome to BYC.