Dust bath

[FlyWheel]

Because it doesn't kill bugs and is a serious respiratory irritant.
<Snip!>

The same things can be said about sand (a.k.a. silica). Realistically, any dust is a respiratory hazard, as is ash. So please people. always wear a mask when working in a dusty environment (see my sig).

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Since it appears my chickens will be inside the coop as the snow deepens, I made a dust bath today with peat moss and ashes. I put it under the roof of the run, not in the open part. Everything over there gets wet and freezes solid.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

I've tried a dirt/sand mix and they just ignore it and wait until I let them out to free range.. then dig holes in the barn aisle. Maybe adding peat moss would help entice them to use the box I made up for them?

I hope so. Mine are also ignoring their new dust bath in the run. But they go outside every day, and I know they won't want to when we have 2-4 feet of snow! I plan to give them time!

 

[Fintechie]

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?

 

[jspaul2002]

I sure have plenty of ashes, and I picked up some peat moss. I couldn’t remember the right kind of sand. Anybody?

Any type of sand is fine. Lots of people buy play sand since it’s already sifted.

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

Why only hard Wood ash?