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.

 

[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?

 

[chickenthyme]

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

Cute!! So you used sand?

 

[casportpony]

Cute!! So you used sand?

Mine free-range, so they dust bathe all over the yard, but If I were to make a dust bathing box I think I might use a sand/dirt mixture.

 

[jspaul2002]

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

 

[casportpony]

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

I saw lots of pictures of those!

 

[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

 

[casportpony]

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

I'd like to see a picture of it if you have one!

 

[Sueby]

I have a dish pan in my small covered run. I was thinking it was going to be too little but the run is too small for anything a whole lot bigger (the big run isn't covered), but they use it! I stashed away a 5 gallon bucket more of dirt in the shed to refill it with since they knock a lot of dirt out when bathing. Seems to be working just fine for them.