Dust Bath?

[ncCHICKS]

Do chickens HAVE to have one? I have a small one right now that they use. It has sand and pine shavings in it (all mom would buy was sand, so that's what I had)



So my questions are:

Is a kitty litter box big enough?

Can I put it in there run, because right now it's taking up their nest box spot (only 9 weeks old as of today)

What should be in there?

How often do I clean it?

What importance is it to them?

They have a box, but still scratch up grass and dust in it, why?

Any other advice?

 

[lizard7]

If there is dirt/sand in their coop, they will make their own. Same in run. Your box should be fine though, just put in on the ground where ever you have room.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

They use dust baths to smother any external parasites they may get and just because they like to. It's an instinctual behavior.

 

[Cetawin]

You can always add some DE or Sweet PDZ to it...it will help deodorize and also with parasites. Plus, it will not hurt them if they eat it.

 

[lovemychix]

Fine wood shavings make my chicks very happy!