Dust baths

[Crybbyxo]

So my chicks are probably about 5-6 weeks now(one is a little younger than the rest). I have been trying to get dust so the can take dust baths but every time I try to pick it up locally its out of stock. I was wondering if it is better to make your own dust mix? Or if any one has any recommendations on brands?

 

[NewBoots]

I just use the local sand. I know some folks mix wood ashes with sand as well. Some folks also add diatomaceous earth but there is a lot of disagreement about de.

 

[6chicks1coop]

You could just take them to the backyard for an hour or so! Until we got a dust bath set up for the chicks we brought them outside on nice warm days and let them try it!

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can use peat moss, plain dirt from the yard, sand, wood ashes, or a combo of any of those.

 

[Crybbyxo]

Thank you!! So I think I I'll mix up some peat moss and sand since they are pretty quickly attainable. Is there any difference in whether I use play sand or local sand? I was thinking the play sand would be finer but idk if that makes a difference.

 

[NewBoots]

They'll doubtless be happy to have either. Our local sand is super fine, we live near sand dunes and the soil here is mostly sand with a tiny bit of dirt mixed in or fill rock.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you!! So I think I I'll mix up some peat moss and sand since they are pretty quickly attainable. Is there any difference in whether I use play sand or local sand? I was thinking the play sand would be finer but idk if that makes a difference.

I don't use sand so not knowledgeable on it... just check the "ingredients" in the sand and make sure there's nothing added to it. Otherwise for dust bathing any relatively fine-ish sand should work.

 

[nmr]

You can use peat moss, plain dirt from the yard, sand, wood ashes, or a combo of any of those.

I have peat moss that is "enriched with Miracle Grow plant food" is this safe to use?

 

[Ryguy3684]

I have peat moss that is "enriched with Miracle Grow plant food" is this safe to use?

I wouldn't. My chicks started by eating their dust bath, instead of bathing in it. You should be able to get regular peat moss, pretty cheap, at Home Depot, or your local hardware store.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I wouldn't. My chicks started by eating their dust bath, instead of bathing in it. You should be able to get regular peat moss, pretty cheap, at Home Depot, or your local hardware store.

x2. Home improvement stores often sell big bags of 100% peat moss, that's what you want to aim for.