Dust Bath's

[Manok-Tao]

My last group of hens dug out an area of soft dirt in the run and constantly used it for thier bath; as it worked I did not interfer. I'm in process of building a new coop/run and have read posts about DE used as dust bath material in large pots. I used to use DE in my pool pump filter and am aware if it got wet it would not work to well for the birds. What other types of material can i provide for a dust bath? My new coop will allow room for a pot of DE inside. The run design could be modified to provide an outside DE bath that is covered from rain. I'd like to give them a dust bath that is out in the bright sunlight, like the one the birds made themselves in my last chicken endeavor. Is there a material they would appreciate or should I give them a covered DE bath spot and if the choose to make a natural one so be it?
J

 

[Kansaseq]

I just wanted to say that the DE you use for your pool is NOT the same, and NOT safe to use for your birds. You need to find food grade DE to use for the birds. Some feed stores carry it, or you can find it online. Some people will use play sand with some DE in it for a dust bath. Aside from that, I dont' know, but there will surely be plenty of good suggestions. Good luck.

 

[Wifezilla]

Pool DE will kill your birds. Food grade DE is GOOD for the birds.

 

[Manok-Tao]

thanks for the continued education..I'm soaking it all in and appreciate the info

 

[chicktwit]

Play sand is good & "food grade" DE will help with the bugs & bad bacteria. I sprinkle it on the chicken house floor after cleaning the floor. DE loses it's effectiveness when it gets wet. All birds love to take a bath. I wish my grandson did.

 

[TipsyDog]

I dump a couple bags of sand in my run and they love it.

 

[i'mclucked]

Ilive near a DE mining operation. Can I use the raw DE safely for a dust bath. It is unprocessed ,abuntant in it's raw form.

 

[MakNat]

Wood ashes are good too!! Cooled of course!!

 

[RocketDad]

I burn random junk like cut-up pallets, so I don't use my ashes because of nails. Just a thing to keep in mind.