Dust Bathing

[spicewood chick]

We have added a nice 10xx10 covered chain link yard for the girls to hang out in during the day. They scratch and sometimes create a nice divit to lay in and roll around in. I know dust bathing is crucial for mite control. The ground in here is hardish so should I provide a big bowl area filled with maybe play sand for them to dust in or is there a better product to provide in that big low bowl? I have DE that I sprinkle in the yard but should I just fill the bowl with that alone?

 

[Spiderduck]

I just have nice soft soil for them which i dug up every now and again. Because i have a roof over the area the soil doesnt get too wet so nice and easy to dig up and roll around in.

I would reccomend sand if your soil is hard.

Just place it in a nice big bowl type and they will love it.

 

[B Redhawk]

One of the nicest dust bath containers is a small kiddie pool, just fill with sand (we use river sand since it isn't as sharp edged and add Food Grade DE, stir and let the chooks go at it).
We currently have two dust bath areas that are fine, powdery soil that the girls built themselves and under the coop will be the kiddie pool dust bath.