Do my chicks need a dust bath if they free range?

[saraem]

Our chicks free range in the backyard for 1-4 hours a day (usually 2-3) depending on how much time we can spend out there with them. Dust bathing is definitely on their agenda each time they go out.

My question is, is a once-a-day dust bath enough or should I provide them a pan in the brooder also?

 

[CascadiaRiver]

It should be enough while thy're outside, just be carefully taking them out mid-bath because they are FILLED with dirt and they shake it all over me XD

 

[Rock Home Isle]

If you want, you can build them a nice dust bath, but any patch of bare ground is going to be used for dust bathing. Try to locate the dust bath in an area that they will use and where it will remain dry.



It's instinctual for them, they'll find a nice dry location and start...er...bathing. I have not planted my garden yet, so at the moment the communal dust bath for the flock is the nice dark, rich, fluffy soils of the garden. Once they pick an area, the dimensions of the dust bath may grow in size, unless you frame it with a boundary...


Dust baths can get pretty active and actually fun the watch. Believe it or not, in this photo there are 6 chicks and a duck.

 

[saraem]

We always get a kick out of their dust-bathing antics, too.

Once our coop is finished I'll probably install a dust bath in the covered run, but I'd rather not create any more dust inside than I have to while they're in the brooder!