Dust Bath Question

[Fancypants1]

Hello,

Can I start giving my 2-3 week old chicks dust bathes? Do they need it yet? I was planning on buying sandbox sand, getting dirt from our garden and I have some ash that was wood pellets (is the wood pellet ash OK to use)?

Do I need anything else? When I take them out for a little fun in the sun (from the brooder in the basement) should I put them in the box or wait for them to find it?

 

[Granny Hatchet]

i think, not sure that wood pellets have chemicals in them so no i wouldnt use that. start with sand, they love to bath at any age.

 

[Judy]

A dust bath is fine. As I understand it, some pellets have questionable chemicals and some don't. Maybe you can check your brand out. But they will at least try to dust bathe in most anything loose enough.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Yes, they are old enough. It might be easier (and healthier) to just fill a pan or bowl with dirt from outside and give it to them. That's what I've always done.

 

[Fancypants1]

i think, not sure that wood pellets have chemicals in them so no i wouldnt use that. start with sand, they love to bath at any age.

The bag said 100% wood and the brand is Tractor Trailer Supply Store brand. I was more worried about the glue that they use to keep the pellets in the pellet shape.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

i dont think i would want them in glue. they will eat any thing you put down. love your avatar. looks like he/she is sitting on the potty.

 

[Fancypants1]

That is our Angel - she is a goofy kitty!

 

[MarcyTheChicken]

Chicks will generally start taking dust baths when they feel ready. I introduced my three girls to normal dirt from our gardens right after we got them (they were about 3 months old), and now we are making fences to keep them out of the lettuces . When they get a little older and start developing their adult feathers, you can start dusting them with Diatomaceous Earth (you can purchase this at a pet store). Always check for fowl lice (which cannot live on humans/other animals) and other insects. Dust their wings, back, chest, and the fluff on their bottoms.