Dust bath size for 3 large girls

[Emma Miriam]

Hi everyone! This is a random question, but I thought you might be able to help. I have three girls: Brahma, Speckled Sussex, and Easter Egger. For the winter when the ground is frozen, I want to buy a container and fill it with dirt/sand for the girls to dust bathe. I'd like all three to fit, because when they were chicks they would step all over each other if one couldn't fit...plus, it seems to be a nice bonding activity. So I have two questions:

1) Would three large breeds fit comfortably in a 22" x 18" box? How about a 29" x 18" box? Or larger? Tell me the size of your dust bath and how many large breeds can fit in it at once.

2) The two easiest options seem to be a kitty litter box or a shallow plastic storage container. I happen to have a gift card to Petco, so the former would be ideal, but even the jumbo ones are not as big as the latter. Which do you use/prefer?

Thanks so much! If you have pictures, I'd love to see them too.

 

[Cacique500]

This is a 4x4 raised bed that they use for a dust bath...



It's unusual that they are this close - they usually like to spread out a little.



The wire sections off a blueberry bush which they really wanted to dig up!

 

[beginnergirl]

I like the idea of using wood as I have LOTS of scrap wood from the coop. Looks like 3 chickens might fit in something near 2' x 2'? I have 3 big hens two, so would love input

 

[Emma Miriam]

Thanks so much. I never thought of using wood! Then I could make it any size I want

If anyone else could share their experiences/suggestions, that would be wonderful!

 

[kristaschics15]

I want to make one similar to the wooden one here. I know my girls would love it!

 

[aart]

Is this going to be outside with a cover....or in the coop?

 

[Emma Miriam]

It would be in a covered run (metal roofing). Some rain may get in, but hopefully minimal, and in the winter I'll cover the bottom few feet with clear plastic tarps. I actually just picked up a 66 gallon underbed plastic storage container from Walmart, and am thinking about using that. It should be more than big enough...I'll let you know how it works out. If I don't like it, I'll build a raised bed.

Thank you all!