Dust bath

[MapleLaurelFarms]

I bought an inexpensive cement mixing tub for mine. It is very popular with my chickens.

What do you put in it? Since we're all close to each other, it may be helpful to know. Thanks!

 

[bigblueteach]

I use a tote and cut the side out

 

[Ncfarm828]

Hey I'm that other NC farm in 828 ha! Probably a lot of us, but I stumbled upon your thread while researching dust baths, and I hear ya about the hawks. Our hens have always free-ranged & dust bathed wherever they wanted, but since Helene we've had a pair of Red-shouldered hawks move onto our land and are (I think) currently raising brood.

Kinda odd because I've never seen this species around our area, and I think they booted out our summer Broadwing hawks we usually have, which are not big enough to be chicken killers. Dang it.

Anyway, I'm also not free ranging my pullets right now, hoping that the hawks will move on after nesting season. In the meantime, dust baths! We've got a large covered run and Husband quickly screwed together a wood frame out of scrap lumber. But I've no idea if it's okay because I've never had to do this lol.

Let us all know what you end up with. Since we're in the same region, same climate, etc, I may copycat you.

Hello! I ended up using a plastic kiddie pool from Walmart and drilled holes in the bottom for drainage. Filled it with all purpose sand from Lowe’s, and wood ash from our wood burning stove.

Since this post I have let my chickens free range again. I purchased two wavy men from vevor. They both work great!! Besides that, I put out numerous multicolored pinwheels from the dollar tree, hung reflective tape and little hanging disco ball decor from Amazon on the trees and around the coop. I will say our farm probably looks crazy will all the reflective stuff but hey, my chickens are my babies! I’ve also put down the all purpose sand in the chicken run now as well. This helps with the mud control.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Hello! I ended up using a plastic kiddie pool from Walmart and drilled holes in the bottom for drainage. Filled it with all purpose sand from Lowe’s, and wood ash from our wood burning stove.

Since this post I have let my chickens free range again. I purchased two wavy men from vevor. They both work great!! Besides that, I put out numerous multicolored pinwheels from the dollar tree, hung reflective tape and little hanging disco ball decor from Amazon on the trees and around the coop. I will say our farm probably looks crazy will all the reflective stuff but hey, my chickens are my babies!

Oh my gosh, I totally admire you! I don't think I have the guts to do that lol. We'd have all these old-timers around here setting up lawn chairs on the road above us to watch the show.