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Dust Baths

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by SaraChristine, Dec 11, 2012.

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  1. Dec 11, 2012 #1
    SaraChristine

    SaraChristine In the Brooder

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    Dec 18, 2010
    Edgerton
    I plan on adding a dust bath tomorrow to our run tomorrow. We don't have enough room in the coop, so I plan on covering the top of the coop with a tarp for the winter to help keep moisture out of it.

    My idea is to use an old tire and fill it with fine dirt, ash from the central boiler, and some DE. When they aren't using it, I will put an old spare tire cover over it. - Does that seem like a good idea? Are there any contraindications that anyone can think of that I'm not coming up with? I don't want to harm them due to my ignorance in anyway.

    Another Idea I had was to use one of the nesting boxes and putting a lip in the front to hold in the dust bath better. The 6 of my hens only use one of the three nesting boxes, so I don't think they'll miss one of them, and they LOVE fluffing in anything they can.
    I was letting them free range Sunday and panicked because I couldn't find them anywhere.... They had made their way to the walkout and were scratching up the dirt to roll around in the only spot in the yard there was dirt dry enough.

    What have you done for a dust bath?
     

  4. Dec 12, 2012 #2
    stevetone

    stevetone Chicken Advocate

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    May 3, 2010
    Stoughton, Wisconsin, USA
    I like the tire idea, the nest box idea--not so much. I think it sends the wrong message (that they can use a nestbox for things other than laying eggs)..

    Covering the bath area when it is not being used seems like extra work. I would just keep it open. You never know when they want to take a bath.

    Edgerton, Wisconsin? If so, we are practically neighbors [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2012
  6. Dec 12, 2012 #3
    SaraChristine

    SaraChristine In the Brooder

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    Dec 18, 2010
    Edgerton
    Okay! I'm going for it :) I'll post some pictures after lunch.

    No, unfortunately, it's Edgerton, OH lol. Right on the boarder of Indiana.
     
  8. Dec 12, 2012 #4
    MimiChick

    MimiChick Songster

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    Apr 8, 2009
    Glocester, RI
    Another option might be one of those covered kitty litter pans. It's big enough, covered, and they won't be constantly pushing the dirt out becuase it's enclosed.
    I've also found that sand and wood ashes works just as well as using DE, and it's a lot less expensive [​IMG]

    Good luck.
     

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