Chicks start dustbathing within a week or so of hatching. It's natural and deeply embedded in their instincts. Anything will work even a pile in the floor.. they will make it work.
I alternate what goes into my dusting piles for both the cooped & free range chickens. Including mite powder, fresh sand, used flower pot dirt, DE when we have it, and fire pit ashes.
Here is a lovely blue pool for some cooped chicks
I alternate what goes into my dusting piles for both the cooped & free range chickens. Including mite powder, fresh sand, used flower pot dirt, DE when we have it, and fire pit ashes.
Here is a lovely blue pool for some cooped chicks

Last edited: