dust bath

[beeksnfeet]

I have 3 Buff Orps. who, shall we say, are a bit "wide". Their butts are the fluffiest things I've ever seen. I want to put in a dust bath for them as they keep digging holes in the dirt now. What size, & what is a good item to use for a dust bath? I have the sand just need a 'container'! Any suggestions?

 

[Messipaw]

I use a small kiddie pool/sandbox. In it is a mix of garden dirt, DE, sand, wood ash and Severn five percent. My hens don't like just sand so I added some of the above until they started using it. From then on I stuck with it. The only problem I have is remembering to cover it when needed in bad weather. Good luck.

 

[beeksnfeet]

I use a small kiddie pool/sandbox. In it is a mix of garden dirt, DE, sand, wood ash and Severn five percent. My hens don't like just sand so I added some of the above until they started using it. From then on I stuck with it. The only problem I have is remembering to cover it when needed in bad weather. Good luck.

Thanks. I do not have room for a small kiddie pool but I get the idea. I wonder if a wash tub would be good....I guess filling it 1/2 way would be best then just add to it when necessary. Thanks again for your reply.

 

[jeepguy982001]

they'll make their own dust bath area. Mine chose under my raised coop. about a good foot deep hole they dug.

 

[beeksnfeet]

they'll make their own dust bath area. Mine chose under my raised coop. about a good foot deep hole they dug. 

Did you fill it with sand? Mine have a hole about the same depth, half under the coop, half out! Just that our ground is still so frozen, thought sand would be better then dirt.

 

[jeepguy982001]

no i've never filled it with anything

 

[beeksnfeet]

no i've never filled it with anything 

I guess that's why they call it a "dust" bath not a sand bath. Duh, sometimes I swear I scare myself.......Thanks again!

 

[jeepguy982001]

no point in being scared their tough lil rascals