Dust bath?

[coolcanoechic]

Can I put a little dust bathing area in the brooder for my chicks? What should I use? Will garden dirt be ok? Maybe the chick grit will work? They are 1 week and 3 weeks old.

 

[BuffOrpington88]

You might not want to, it will be very dusty and not the best for their respiratory health because it is in an enclosed space. Dirt would be fine, although my chickens do not make dust baths all over the yard, they like some soils more than others. Do not use chick grit.

 

[coolcanoechic]

Thanks.
I was wondering about it because they are already rolling around in the wood chips like they are dust bathing. The brooder is quite large for them too, so there is plenty of space for fun stuff. It is 2.5 ft by 6 ft. with just 8 chicks.
I was also worried that they could get sick from the soil being so young. Maybe I will wait a couple more weeks.