Dust baths and snowy weather

[Iluveggers]

Looking for some ideas on what you all do in the winter as far as dust baths go?

It’s either frozen ground or wet dirt from snow melting…do I provide some way to dust bathe? Will they just not do it until spring? If I set up a big bin in the run how do I keep it dry with snow and rain? (We have 2 tarps but it isn’t fully leak proof although much better than without.

Thanks!

 

[nchls school]

Looking for some ideas on what you all do in the winter as far as dust baths go?

It’s either frozen ground or wet dirt from snow melting…do I provide some way to dust bathe? Will they just not do it until spring? If I set up a big bin in the run how do I keep it dry with snow and rain? (We have 2 tarps but it isn’t fully leak proof although much better than without.

Thanks!

I use plastic tubs with sides that are around six inches tall. I use sand or dry dirt with poultry powder mixed in. It lasts several weeks.

 

[Iluveggers]

I use plastic tubs with sides that are around six inches tall. I use sand or dry dirt with poultry powder mixed in. It lasts several weeks.

Thanks! Do you keep it in your run or in the coop?

 

[nchls school]

Thanks! Do you keep it in your run or in the coop?

In the coop so it stays dry.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Honestly, mine simply don't get access if the weather doesn't permit. My dust bath has a cover (it's a child's plastic sandbox) and sits in the run, but only stays dry if it remains covered, so if there's more than just a little snow it's not accessible.

If there's a nicer day without rain/snow I'll uncover it so they get access.

 

[STACEYH]

I do plastic tub in coop for winter only.

 

[aart]

I tried a bin in the coop, was rarely used.
Luckily there is a sheltered place in run that stays dry all year so never freezes.

 

[Sueby]

Last year I dug up some dirt from their favorite dust bath area & stored it in the shed in a 5 gal bucket for them to keep it dry. I kept a small plastic bin in their covered run & refilled as needed. They used it a lot when the ground was frozen.

I'm a slacker this year & didn't collect any dirt! I'm thinking of stopping at HD & getting some garden dirt or something & sand to mix together. If I can find something that doesn't have fertilizer in it.

If not I'm sure they'll just dust bathe in the coop shavings.

 

[Happy Helper]

I went to Tractor Supply and got 50 lbs of sand to put in their area that is covered so I didn't have to worry about it getting wet. I also added some garden dirt. Problem is that when I opened the sandbag, I noticed that the sand was wet so I am now trying to get it dried out by digging at it every day. I also add scratch grain in it and the chickens scratch it. I think it will take all winter to dry it out, although I notice that it is getting a little dryer. I can't possibly move it because it is too heavy so there is no way to get it outside if the sun should happen to shine. (Doesn't happen much during the winter in Ohio)

 

[Iowajones]

Honestly, mine simply don't get access if the weather doesn't permit. My dust bath has a cover (it's a child's plastic sandbox) and sits in the run, but only stays dry if it remains covered, so if there's more than just a little snow it's not accessible.

If there's a nicer day without rain/snow I'll uncover it so they get access.

View attachment 2925456

I put an Xtra large litter with dirt and sand in the coop during winter. They love it.