Dust bathing obsessively

[MichelleKing]

Can they not dustbathe in your native soil? Free refills for life!

Yes, my husband and I were just discussing going on a digging mission in the backyard LOL!!!! It might be the safest option honestly.

 

[coach723]

Whatever soil you have, your birds seem to like it, so I would stick with that. I changed once, not sure why, had the need to feel like I was doing something I guess , and they wouldn't go near it. The only thing I do now is when I have wood ashes, I will add those into their favorite spots. Other than that, I stick with what they like, which is what is already there. I use a sand rake once or twice a year to clean out the areas, I have very sandy soil, so that works well for me just to get the big gunk out.

 

[PirateGirl]

Whatever soil you have, your birds seem to like it, so I would stick with that. I changed once, not sure why, had the need feel like I was doing something I guess , and they wouldn't go near it. The only thing I do now is when I have wood ashes, I will add those into their favorite spots. Other than that, I stick with what they like, which is what is already there. I use a sand rake once or twice a year to clean out the areas, I have very sandy soil, so that works well for me just to get the big gunk out.

I do this too. I throw in some ash from the woodstove from time to time. In winter when the ground is frozen I do sometimes make a dust bath from them, but I've never purchased anything for this.

 

[Chickassan]

Lol! There is one big reason for getting the white clay versus just dirt and that is if you take your birds anywhere. I traveled with mine alot when they were young and it was much better for them to shake out a little white dust in the uber than our native red dirt. Kept them looking clean too even if they really were not that clean at all.

Can they not dustbathe in your native soil? Free refills for life!

 

[coach723]

Lol! There is one big reason for getting the white clay versus just dirt and that is if you take your birds anywhere. I traveled with mine alot when they were young and it was much better for them to shake out a little white dust in the uber than our native red dirt. Kept them looking clean too even if they really were not that clean at all.

That makes a LOT of sense if you are traveling with them! Thankfully, mine don't really go anywhere!

 

[Chickassan]

You don't know how true that thankfully is. You don't know embarassment until you've taken a chicken out in public.

That makes a LOT of sense if you are traveling with them! Thankfully, mine don't really go anywhere!

 

[coach723]

I can only imagine. I get bizarre looks if I even talk about a chicken! I made a passing comment last week about bandaging a roosters foot and one of my neighbors nearly choked, literally. I'm pretty sure I'm considered the 'crazy chicken lady' by my neighbors.
Could be worse........

 

[Chickassan]

Oh yeah! Mine were therapy birds so leashes, pantaloons the whole shabang. I'd take them in stores with me to get session treats, line them up on my buggy handle and just enjoy!

I can only imagine. I get bizarre looks if I even talk about a chicken! I made a passing comment last week about bandaging a roosters foot and one of my neighbors nearly choked, literally. I'm pretty sure I'm considered the 'crazy chicken lady' by my neighbors.
Could be worse........

 

[coach723]

I would totally feel better with a therapy chicken!!

 

[Chickassan]

Most people said that! I got a few "dirty chicken" folks but overall it was quite positive. My group were elderly they tend to enjoy things to the fullest.

I would totally feel better with a therapy chicken!!