Dust baths for chicks/chickens!

[Backyard-chicken-owner]

So I’ve been asking a lot of questions about my chicks and I am very greatful that you guys are answering me! But I had a question for dust bathes for chicks but I will later on use when they are grown up. This is my first flock that I have had and I have been reading that they need dust baths, I have seen my little chicks “bathe” in their pine shavings so I have decided to give them a box for dust baths. The thing is, I don’t know exactly what to put in it. I have read to put playground sand, but then other people said not to. I have read about using dirt from outside but I don’t know if I should, I live in New Jersey and my dirt outside has a lot of weird bugs in it and I don’t want them to bathe with them haha. But yea I’m stuck on if I should use my dirt from outside or buy some type of sand that I don’t even know what type I should use. Advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DobieLover]

So I’ve been asking a lot of questions about my chicks and I am very greatful that you guys are answering me! But I had a question for dust bathes for chicks but I will later on use when they are grown up. This is my first flock that I have had and I have been reading that they need dust baths, I have seen my little chicks “bathe” in their pine shavings so I have decided to give them a box for dust baths. The thing is, I don’t know exactly what to put in it. I have read to put playground sand, but then other people said not to. I have read about using dirt from outside but I don’t know if I should, I live in New Jersey and my dirt outside has a lot of weird bugs in it and I don’t want them to bathe with them haha. But yea I’m stuck on if I should use my dirt from outside or buy some type of sand that I don’t even know what type I should use. Advice would be greatly appreciated!

If the dirt outside doesn't have too many large rocks in it and is loose and relatively dry, it will be perfect. The bugs won't last long. The chicks will eat them.
If the soil isn't loose, you can buy the cheapest soil they sell at any big box store and even mix that in with some peat moss.