Dust baths? (silkies)

[Mother of Chicks]

Hi all,

I am expecting my first hatch in a few days and I am very excited. I have silkies in the incubator and I am just sorting out the coop requirements. I think I have everything I need - coop - run - free-ranging gate - water - food - bedding etc. However, I am a bit uncertain of whether I need a dust bath as a physical object or whether I just need a space with a bit of dried matter on the floor of the run. Can someone advise, please?

I am wondering if the bath needs to be in a small crate and what needs to go in it. I am slightly concerned that some of the articles etc online don't take into account the special siklie fluff I will have to think about.

I live in the UK so maybe that helps with thinking about weather/humidity and soil.

Thank you so much!

Bex

 

[DobieLover]

Hi all,

I am expecting my first hatch in a few days and I am very excited. I have silkies in the incubator and I am just sorting out the coop requirements. I think I have everything I need - coop - run - free-ranging gate - water - food - bedding etc. However, I am a bit uncertain of whether I need a dust bath as a physical object or whether I just need a space with a bit of dried matter on the floor of the run. Can someone advise, please?

I am wondering if the bath needs to be in a small crate and what needs to go in it. I am slightly concerned that some of the articles etc online don't take into account the special siklie fluff I will have to think about.

I live in the UK so maybe that helps with thinking about weather/humidity and soil.

Thank you so much!

Bex

As long as there is a dry place they can scratch out a little bowl for them to dust bathe in, that will be sufficient.

 

[Mother of Chicks]

Thank you @DobieLover Just plain dry dirt is fine then?

 

[DobieLover]

Thank you @DobieLover Just plain dry dirt is fine then?

Yes.
Mine like to dig holes in the landscape beds in their pen and in the covered run. I use free wood chips in both and as they break down, they provide a medium the chickens like to bathe in.

 

[Mother of Chicks]

You're a star! Thank you x