do they need a better dirt bath?

[melonhead]

My flock has a run that sits right on the ground, and i have seen them do a bit of digging...but my soil is clay, so it's very thick and difficult to dig. Plus, once it rains, it stays wet for a while. Should I be offering them a supplemental dirt bath? and if so, what's the best medium (sand, ash, DE, etc)? Thanks!

 

[chfite]

You could throw some sand in there for them to mix into the clay soil. Mine dig as if they were looking for gold. Amazing how well they can dig.

Chris

 

[Aeropennchick]

Mine like ruffling around in some old pine shavings, and I mix in some DE:

 

[jaydevries]

i was looking to do the same mix as poster but i am wondering if i use DE are my comets still classified organic

 

[azygous]

I have clay soil in my run, too. It has hardened like cement since the run is covered and it doesn't get wet. I have about six inches of construction sand on top of the natural clay surface, and it's wonderful. It's easy to keep clean, and the chickens, including the roo, all love dirt bathing in it. I think they really enjoy the gritty feeling of it against their skin.

 

[Aeropennchick]

i was looking to do the same mix as poster but i am wondering if i use DE are my comets still classified organic

Check out this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/69586/can-i-use-de-in-the-coop-if-i-am-organic

The gist is:

"DE won't affect your organic certification. it's not a chemical at all, just the skeletons of long-dead diatoms, no different from topsoil or lime in that respect."

 

[melonhead]

well, i did throw a bucket of sand into the run and at first they just ran up and ate a bunch of it. when i went back out later though, all three were lying in the sand, and it was spread out, like they had likely been scratching and rolling in it. So I'd say they prefer it over the clay.

 

[Urbanfarmerkc]

My chickens LOVE peat moss... They don't have to have a dust bath but it makes them happy.