Dust bath materials

[Alielsarosie]

Lowes has what's called Garden Pro All Purpose sand. It says it is 100% natural. Would this be okay for a dust bath sand?

 

[Xtina]

Probably, but I'm no expert in that. I just wanted to say I am going to fill up my dust bath with wood ash from the fire pit. I hear that it helps prevent mites (not that I've ever had a problem, but why not avoid one?)

 

[beccaWA]

I'd use regular bagged dirt. You can mix some sand in if you want, but really sand is not "dusty" enough. You can put it in a kiddie pool and they'll love it. (Just as long as it's plain dirt with NO fertilizer or chemicals in it.)

 

[Cacique500]

Our natural soil is clay, so we made a 4x4 raised bed for them. We use potting soil mixed with DE and wood ash. They're in it almost every day.

 

[beccaWA]

Just be careful that those wood ashes don't get wet for any reason! Wood ashes + water = LYE!

 

[Cacique500]

Just be careful that those wood ashes don't get wet for any reason! Wood ashes + water = LYE!

Yep - but the ratio of the DE and the ash is about 1/20th each of the total mix so not concerned about it

 

[siddalarue]

So what would be the best dust bath ingredients and ratios?