Dirt bath in coop

[pkwellman]

Hey all I’m thinking about putting a dirt bath INSIDE the coop. I think it would be a great idea especially for when winter rolls around. I have two concerns, #1 I worry they may try to use it as an egg box. #2 I don’t want them to hang out in there and go broody(I especially worry about my Orpingtons doing that).. what are your backyard chicken thoughts Thanks in advance from southern Ohio

 

[CluckerFamily]

I use shavings for the flooring in my coop. Sometimes they choose to dust bath in the shavings. Otherwise, I provide a dust bath area in the run and they also use the dirt floor for their dust baths.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Hey all I’m thinking about putting a dirt bath INSIDE the coop. I think it would be a great idea especially for when winter rolls around. I have two concerns, #1 I worry they may try to use it as an egg box. #2 I don’t want them to hang out in there and go broody(I especially worry about my Orpingtons doing that).. what are your backyard chicken thoughts Thanks in advance from southern Ohio

I wouldn't simply because of the dust. Have you ever cleaned your coop and blew your nose afterwards? There's a bunch of dirt in your mucus (or there is mine at least!). That's what the chickens would be breathing in every single time they dust bathed in a confined space. Put it in the run, so at the very least the will dissipate more effectively.

 

[Percheron chick]

Outside. Don't waste the floor space plus encourage them to go outside even in the winter.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I suppose if the coop is super roomy where the extra floor space isn't needed, that could work (like we're talking about a barn, or an extra large shed), but yes the dust thrown around inside would be pretty substantial.

 

[aart]

Better to have a place out it in the run that stays dry so it won't freeze.

 

[Sams Backyard Flock]

We had put a dust bath in our brooder area we kept in our mud room, while we completed the new coop and run outside. We couldn’t believe how much dust was everywhere!! Washing machines and dryer, cabinets, equipment EVERYWHERE!!

 

[Sally PB]

I had one for a while in the coop, in addition to the one out in the run. It always seemed to have poop in it, so I'd sift the poop out with a cat litter scoop. Oh my! Dust, dust, dust. I took it out after about two weeks. Sooo much better cleaning the coop now. I don't blow grey/brown/black out of my nose.

I have to find a way to keep the run dust bath covered/dry in the winter so that the chickens have that as an option. What do you all do? Suggestions? Pictures?

Thanks,
Sally

 

[rosemarythyme]

As long as you keep it closed when it's raining or snowing, it'll keep the bath contents completely dry. Fits 4-5 standard birds at a time.

 

[Sams Backyard Flock]

Once my chickens got about 14 weeks old they stopped pooping in their dust bath. And still don’t . I’m hoping they will teach the youngsters too.