Dust bath

[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.

 

[ColtHandorf]

@DobieLover I love that set up!

 

[chrissynemetz]

I have no opinion as far as using DE for chickens in any manner.
But I do sprinkle it around the foundation of my house to kill scorpions. It's far from instant, but it does seem to work. Since I started using it I don't have nearly as many live ones crawling around through my house, but I've found lots of dead ones. And I much prefer the dead ones.

 

[DobieLover]

@DobieLover I love that set up!

So do my chickens.

 

[ColtHandorf]

It's an awesome set up! I especially love the broody area. I had such a terrible time with snakes last year I'm scared to let them hatch anything out next year if they go broody.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Okay devil in here dirt floor in the main coop yup dodge the craters but they have lots of floor space 6 at one time dirt bathing inside I mix wood ash into shavings keeps bugs out no DEA

 

[trumpeting_angel]

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

 

[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).

 

[aart]

The same things can be said about sand (a.k.a. silica). Realistically, any dust is a respiratory hazard, as is ash.

Yup...why I just let them make their own dust bathing areas in the 'dirt'...which rather sandy here.

 

[Fintechie]

My chickens seem to prefer a sunny strip by the fence to do dust bath. it's out in the yard of their own choice. We dug an area in the run filled up with play sand, which they rarely use it at all. The run doesn't have much direct exposure. Is it the major reason? Also, how do you keep the dust/sand super dry? I guess the sand bath in our run isn't very dry either - given the distance to their water fountain.