DIY Dust bath mix

[AshleyBelle]

I am wanting to do a DIY dust bath with multiple products. I am definitely using food grade DE and wood ash from the fireplace when I can get my hands on it. The 3rd item I want to use is sand...but, my question(s) becomes what sand is ok since they will more than likely be eating it, too?
*I saw multi-purpose sand I was interested in but is that ok for them to eat?
*What about play sand?
*Should I stick with contractor sand?
*Do I still need to offer some grit if I have sand available to them?

We will have 50 chickens once the babies get put outside in a few short weeks. So my next question is how many dust baths should I have available for all of them?

Last but not least, is it ok for the dust baths to stay outside and potentially get wet or do they need to be put in a covered area or in the coop?

I think that about covers all my dust bath questions

Thank you!

 

[azygous]

I have always used contractor sand, either the course or the fine, drywall sand. It's cheap and safe. And yes, it serves splendidly as grit.

I have seventeen hens. I've seen almost all of them crowd together in a sand dirt bath measuring about four feet by five feet. Dirt bathing is a social ritual where chickens love snuggling close and the closer the better, in their view.

My two dirt bathing stations are outdoors in full sunny spots, and it doesn't hurt for them to get wet since the sun dries them out very quickly. You just need to make sure the spot you choose has good drainage and doesn't end up being a swamp. I sift my wood ash to get the big charcoal chunks out and I mix it in with the sand and regular dirt. The dustier, the better the chickens love it.

 

[AshleyBelle]

So, is it better to have just on the ground or in a container of sorts with holes in the bottom for drainage?