Dust Bath & Free Ranging?

[IrishFarmGirl]

So, all of my chickens free range during the day and are in the coop at night (though, to be honest, they're hanging out in the coop during the day lately because it's so hot outside). Do I need to provide a dust bath for them or will they get enough rolling in the dirt while they're outside? I know that I am probably safe not to provide grit, but are they more susceptible to mites/lice being outside free ranging, or....?

Thanks!

 

[Pork Pie]

No need to give them a dust bath - they will make their own. Not sure about the increased likelihood of mites / lice, but mine free range and i have not had a problem (yet) and even if they did, I'd consider a small price to pay for letting them free range and do their own thing.

CT

 

[IrishFarmGirl]

Thanks! Yes, I definitely love that they free range....makes for much happier chickens in my opinion. Plus, they don't seem to get as irritated with each other when they can get out and roam.

 

[BruceAZ]

if you provide them with enough space in the run.. then it's not really a problem

my chickens seem to like wet garden soil..

 

[bobbi-j]

They'll find places to dust bathe. My young ones have little craters dug out in the run (they don't wander too far yet) and the older ones have their favorite places scattered about around the barn, machine shed, and under their favorite trees.

 

[IrishFarmGirl]

Thanks for all of the answers! I figured my chickens would figure it out, but I'm fairly new to all of this as well.