Chickens bathing in shavings...is it ok?

[CoordinatedChaos]

We have our chickens in a 9' x 13' run. We use the deep litter method and there's currently about 4" of pine shavings on the ground. Once it gets broken down enough, I add another inch or two layer. I also sprinkle First Saturday Lime everywhere about once very couple weeks to keep bugs and flies at bay. For the most part, the ground stays dry, and is mostly dry within 6-8 hours after a rain. I have 2 large litter boxes that I put dirt and dust in for my chickens to bathe in and at first they really loved those a lot. I've found over time though, that they now prefer to just dig in the litter and roll around in that. There is, of course, some dirt mixed in with it, and the FSL as well, but I just want to know if that's ok, since there is probably chicken poop in there too. They've been in the run for over a month now, and I haven't seen any mites or bugs on them, which is my biggest concern. So...is all ok then? Thanks for the help!

 

[thecatumbrella]

Your profile picture!

I've spent an upsetting amount of time trying to convince mine to dust bathe in the approved dust bathing box, especially since it contains additives to maybe help with mites (like First Saturday Lime).

They only want to bathe in the mulch outside the box. I now sprinkle First Saturday Lime around the entire run. I do poop scoop, so things never get that nasty. Just make sure you're turning the deep litter over yourself to keep it tidy. Other than that, I think we just need to make our peace with it!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I just want to know if that's ok, since there is probably chicken poop in there too.

There is no problem with them dust bathing in that, even with the chicken poop. It will not hurt them. If it bothers you that they have been playing in that and then you handle and cuddle them, wash up after playing with the chickens.

They've been in the run for over a month now, and I haven't seen any mites or bugs on them, which is my biggest concern.

From the time I could remember until I left the farm for college at 18, Dad had to treat his free ranging flock for mites or lice twice. I've never had to treat mine for mites or lice. Some people do have serious problems with mites or lice and need to treat regularly. It is something you need to take seriously. Learn how to inspect them for mites or lice and check them regularly.

Dust bathing will not cure or prevent mites or lice. Dust bathing will help reduce the numbers and relief the discomfort but it will neither prevent nor cure. If your inspections show that they have them you need to treat them to eliminate them. Do not rely on dust bathing to solve it for you.

 

[CoordinatedChaos]

Your profile picture!

I've spent an upsetting amount of time trying to convince mine to dust bathe in the approved dust bathing box, especially since it contains additives to maybe help with mites (like First Saturday Lime).

They only want to bathe in the mulch outside the box. I now sprinkle First Saturday Lime around the entire run. I do poop scoop, so things never get that nasty. Just make sure you're turning the deep litter over yourself to keep it tidy. Other than that, I think we just need to make our peace with it!

lol I found it in my Bitmoji's on my phone and thought it was perfect for this forum.

I'm totally fine with them not using the baths! Their run is only half covered on the top, so if the there might be rain, I had to lug the things back into my garage, then lug them back out and it is honestly a pain. If they would rather just use the ground, works for me!

 

[CoordinatedChaos]

Dust bathing will not cure or prevent mites or lice. Dust bathing will help reduce the numbers and relief the discomfort but it will neither prevent nor cure. If your inspections show that they have them you need to treat them to eliminate them. Do not rely on dust bathing to solve it for you.

This is good to know! I've always kind of thought dust baths would help get rid of mites if they get them, from a lot of what I've read. Now I know it just helps with the symptoms, but doesn't actually get rid of. Mental note taken.

What should I look out for? Again, from what I've been able to read, apart from the actual bugs or eggs on the chickens themselves, they also maybe groom (is that the right word?) a lot, and maybe start loosing feathers, or their feathers start looking weird.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Every two or three weeks I take one or two off of the roosts at night after it is dark and look in their vent area with a flashlight. Mites can be fairly quick but you should be able to find them. Roost mites only come out at night, they run from light. Some people rub a white cloth on the roosts during the check at night, looking for red spots where they crushed a mite running for home after it fed off of the chickens.

For lice, check them in the middle of the day if you want. Unlike mites, lice live on the chicken and are always there. Again, check the vent area. For lice, also look for egg clusters laid at the base of the feathers in the vent area. It's the moisture in the vent area that attracts them.

It is a good idea to check them for mites or lice if you see anything unusual. They cause them to itch which can lead to feather damage. I do not wait for symptoms. Check every two or three weeks and you will stay on top of it.

 

[TioBollio]

Your profile picture!

Dang, just put some sweet tea through my sinuses!

 

[TioBollio]

I've always mixed DE in the areas my freerangers used for dust baths.
I don't know if it helped, but we never had an issue with mites or lice.
Now that I'm back in the south, it's something I'll have to consider before establishing the new flock.