Dust baths in the winter

[Chelseyb123]

Im in maine and its winter for sure here and my flock hasnt been able to dust bathe in about a week now an i want them to be able to through out the winter they spend most of there time in theyre pen i sholve it every time it snows until i build a nice big cover for them soon to keep the snow out. But how do you keep up on the dust baths for your flock through the winter what type of dirt or sand should i use? They had theyre favorite spots under trees in my yard but are now covered in snow. I have a kiddie pool to use for them i just want make sure i get the right dirt/sand for them.

 

[pennyJo1960]

sand, soil and wood ash if you have it.. you can buy a bag of soil from most gaden centers plain old soil not potting soil okay

 

[Chelseyb123]

Thank you!! It wont freeze over night though will it i can make them some clean ash from my fire fit.

 

[Chullicken]

All Purpose Sand from Home Cheapo/Regular Soil (For gardening), Wood ash sifted because they can jump off roost and land on the chunks potentially causing foot injuries (Bumble Foot) and can throw in some DE (A pinch) if you're in that thought camp. Just make sure your concoction is kept dry or it will just solidify with chunks.

 

[Chelseyb123]

Okay thank you. Yes when i mixed wood ash where they did bathe i only mixes in the dusty stuff not chunks. And no i have never tried DE i just natural methods like acv garlic cinnamon ect. What i have on hand. So far so good. And thank you My flock will be very happy once i get their set up together.

 

[Cryss]

I put my mix in the house a few days to make sure it was completely dry.

 

[aart]

I just grab some of the dirt where they usually dust bathe and toss it in a tub to keep in the coop so it stays dry.

 

[centrarchid]

In a pinch I have dug up frozen ground that had plants in it as well as bugs. Birds broke it up and after a few days were dust bathing in it. Original intent was just to get some live eats into them.

 

[Chelseyb123]

I am going to try an dig somw dirt up from there hopefully my dogs can help but if i can get to it than ill just buy some.

 

[Chullicken]

Okay thank you. Yes when i mixed wood ash where they did bathe i only mixes in the dusty stuff not chunks. And no i have never tried DE i just natural methods like acv garlic cinnamon ect. What i have on hand. So far so good. And thank you My flock will be very happy once i get their set up together.

DE is a natural product. But, sounds good think they are in good hands this winter. =)