Dust bath for chicks?

Sep 27, 2018
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i was wondering about how I should make a dust bath for my 2 week old chicks I’ve notice a lot of them are trying to dust bath in the brooder, should I just use dirt or is there something else I need to use.
 
Dirt is awesome... and a great way to get your chicks some exposure to your soil so they can build resistance to the microbes and such before going out full time.

With exception to if they have been Marek's vaccinated... no exposure to outside dirt during the build time stated for the vaccine.

Otherwise it also gives them some enrichment and a little grit... all my chicks get some dirt in the brooder fairly soon... Even a plug of it including the grass on top and roots underneath, if it's herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer free.

Chicks are just so cute... doing chicken stuff! :p
 
Dirt is awesome... and a great way to get your chicks some exposure to your soil so they can build resistance to the microbes and such before going out full time.

With exception to if they have been Marek's vaccinated... no exposure to outside dirt during the build time stated for the vaccine.

Otherwise it also gives them some enrichment and a little grit... all my chicks get some dirt in the brooder fairly soon... Even a plug of it including the grass on top and roots underneath, if it's herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer free.

Chicks are just so cute... doing chicken stuff! :p
They have all been vaccinated for marek’s disease I’m not sure if they vaccinated my free chick though but there two weeks old now, so would that be ok I don’t want any of them to get sick
 
They have all been vaccinated for marek’s disease I’m not sure if they vaccinated my free chick though but there two weeks old now, so would that be ok I don’t want any of them to get sick
You know, I might call them and ask.. though most hatcheries try to include the same thing you ordered when they add free ones... I would certainly want to know.

Information I see says NO outdoor exposure for 3 weeks minimum after Marek's vaccine. Most accurate information I have seen in one place is...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

The ones I haven't brought in dirt for do enjoy bathing in the shavings well enough. It's kinda pricey and I don't do it... but another option MIGHT be some peat moss (garden department). Some people use it in their standard outdoor dirt baths.. to "help prevent" parasites, which shouldn't be an issue for you indoors.

Are you feeding non medicated starter? Since medicated counteracts the cocci vaccine?

Sounds like you are off to a good start... doing research before moving forward, it helps! :highfive:
 
You know, I might call them and ask.. though most hatcheries try to include the same thing you ordered when they add free ones... I would certainly want to know.

Information I see says NO outdoor exposure for 3 weeks minimum after Marek's vaccine. Most accurate information I have seen in one place is...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

The ones I haven't brought in dirt for do enjoy bathing in the shavings well enough. It's kinda pricey and I don't do it... but another option MIGHT be some peat moss (garden department). Some people use it in their standard outdoor dirt baths.. to "help prevent" parasites, which shouldn't be an issue for you indoors.

Are you feeding non medicated starter? Since medicated counteracts the cocci vaccine?

Sounds like you are off to a good start... doing research before moving forward, it helps! :highfive:
All the food except for the chick grit (which I haven’t been giving them yet) is none medicated, I think I may hold off on the dust bath for while then but thank you so much.
 

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