Dust bath

[jspaul2002]

Hello! We have 20 hens and 1 rooster. We converted a lean-to we had on our property into a coop, so it’s a large walk in style coop. We just had a decent snow in Iowa and I’m wondering how and where to setup dust baths in the winter? Is it ok to put them in the coop? They’ll freeze up outside.

 

[DobieLover]

I used one of those cheap plastic under bed storage containers last year and it got them through the winter. But I put it under the old coop. All that dust inside the coop will really make a mess in an already dusty environment.

When I rebuilt my coop I made a built-in dust bathing area along the back side of the coop. It is within the confines of the predator proof run and has a polycarbonate roof over it to protect it from rain and snow. They love it.
Under construction:

Viewed from the brooder run. The dust bath site is on the other side of the HC.

How the roof segments open up to add more material to the dust bath and to clean the brooder run.

 

[Alaskan]

Yes, put them inside the coop.

They need to be kept perfectly dry or they freeze up and turn into concrete.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! Maybe you could make something like this?

 

[perkolator]

Kiddie pool is fairly common I've seen in people's coop pics. I'm using an old boat in my coop for dust bath

 

[FlyWheel]

I have a small baby pool, it will fit in the coop, maybe I’ll try that

Tip: If there is any chance of the sand getting wet, punch some drain holes in the bottom first.

 

[jspaul2002]

I used one of those cheap plastic under bed storage containers last year and it got them through the winter. But I put it under the old coop. All that dust inside the coop will really make a mess in an already dusty environment.

When I rebuilt my coop I made a built-in dust bathing area along the back side of the coop. It is within the confines of the predator proof run and has a polycarbonate roof over it to protect it from rain and snow. They love it.
Under construction:
View attachment 1958704
Viewed from the brooder run. The dust bath site is on the other side of the HC.
View attachment 1958705 View attachment 1958706
How the roof segments open up to add more material to the dust bath and to clean the brooder run.
View attachment 1958708

Nice setup!

 

[aart]

Is it necessary to board the sand bath area? I.e. all around and bottom. We feel the sand just “disappeared “ after a few weeks, perhaps weighing down beneath as it is heavier than soil?

Post a pic of what you have/had?

I came through this video. It mentioned DE in addition to the other three ingredients- sand , dirt and ash. Want to see how people think/ use DE in sand bath ?

He makes some decent points...
....but plain sandy/dirt is fine, DE should not be used, IMO.
Ash should be from hardwood burning.

 

[aart]

Why not DE?

Because it doesn't kill bugs and is a serious respiratory irritant.
DE is a 'hot topic'.
Some believe it is miraculous.
Some believe it is pretty much worthless.

 

[jspaul2002]

I have a small baby pool, it will fit in the coop, maybe I’ll try that