Dust bath ingredients and set-up?

[kathyinmo]

I am wondering if it would be good to have an old kids swim pool with sand and DE in it. Would the chickens use it as a dust bath type thing, or would it be better to use something else? Any other suggestions for a dust bath set-up?

 

[Mahonri]

Sounds like a great setup... I would go a little easy on the DE though and make certain it is well mixed... a small bit of potting soil mixed in wouldn't hurt.... but they'd get good and dirty!

 

[chickenchickenbulkbulk]

Hey, I just read out of a poultry mag. to use one part wood ash [Sifted] to one part sand and dirt. That this would take care of lice and mites. Sound easy enough doesn't it. I don't see why your idea won't work either. The chickens won't really care what it is in as long as they can play and dust in it. I watched 2 week old baby chicks dusting with their momma today. I enjoy watching them, don't you. DJ

 

[Davaroo]

In the good old days they recommended sand and wood ashes. A little DE couldnt hurt.

 

[LovinMyHensInNC!]

Quote:
Oh I wish I had heard that sooner!... I just dumped out all our winter wood ashes two weeks ago far out in the woods... go figure! I will remember this idea for next year! Thanks

 

[wundernurse]

I use peat moss and a a little DE. The peat moss is light, fluffy and really dry. I put it in a corner of a run that has a roof so it doesn't get wet. They love it!!

 

[Judy]

Mine dust bathe in the dirt. I sprinkle DE where I see the hollowed out spots.

 

[kathyinmo]

Oh, thank you all ! My 44 chicks are 3 weeks old, am I am getting their coop and run finished up.

 

[virginbred]

if you are going to use a pool i'd punch holes in the bottom in case it gets any rain...if it's under cover i wouldn't worry about it...

 

[jfarms]

I dump the wood ashes in my chicken run and the chickens just have a ball laying in it and frolicking in it. They are so funny to watch when we do this..