Dust Bath

[Alaska Squid]

Alaska is a tough place to keep dust baths from freezing. But I’m trying it again this winter. Do I have to change the dust bath or just add to it as stuff is flung out? I’d best get more dirt dug up b4 the ground freezes if so

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I would just add to it if possible.

 

[nuthatched]

Tires may dandy dust bathes, Peat moss in a great substrate if uou can get it.

 

[HoneyBug Homestead]

Alaska here, too! I'm using sand, ash, and peat moss in a tire - my run is covered so I'm not super concerned about it getting wet and freezing beyond them constantly flipping pooping in there.

 

[UpstateChickenDaddy]

Adding to the winter dust bath.

I created a 6’ diameter ring in the central part of my covered run, in a section that, when there is sun, it soaks it up. It stays dry unless the rain is driving. I may leave the windblocks up in summer too in that area to assist that. Peat moss is my base and I add sand, dirt, ash, volcanic ash, and a wee bit of DE. Smartest thing I ever did. There is enough room for 5-6 of then inside. Today it is quite cold, 25F (-3C) but they are all outside and all jumbled up together bathing. Yesterday the wind was too much and while my run is covered and has windblocks they aren’t fans when it is really bad. Spent most of the day inside. They were all craving baths.

The clearly dumbest thing I did was try to create a dustbath inside. They have very little interest in it. Should I just remove it or is it worth keeping?

 

[aart]

The clearly dumbest thing I did was try to create a dustbath inside. They have very little interest in it. Should I just remove it or is it worth keeping?

Not dumb, worth a try, but if they don't use it remove it.