Dusting Place for chickens

[Sam The Yam]

Something I am trying that I thought may be of interest to some in regards to dusting your chickens for mites. I had a plastic round pond pan, about 3 ft in circumference and about 6-8 inches deep. I dug a hole in the ground and put in down into it so that the top of it was closer to ground level. I have a wire dirt screening apparatus that I laid on top of it and proceeded to put dirt from my garden on it to screen it into a finer course of dirt to fill the pan. Since it is now really light weight dirt without any rocks or clods, it is very easy for the chickens to dig in it and do their dust baths. I had read about using powered Sevin dust for mites. I mixed some into the soil and now when the chickens do their dust bathing they can take advantage of getting a little bit of the Sevin dust up into their feathers, under their wings, etc. I hope that it was a good thing to do. If anyone thinks otherwise please feel free to let me know.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

I know nothing about sevin dust, but I love your idea. I hope if it's a BAD idea someone speaks up soon, because I'm already planning the location...

 

[Sam The Yam]

Quote:
As I have read about dusting for mites, the Sevin dust was mentioned often and they said that you could dust it right on to the chicken, getting it up under their wings, around their vent, and up into their feathers. That would help eliminate any mites on the chickens. You can also sprinkle it and even mix it into the soil and or coop bedding to eliminate mites. It would have to be done regularly. On the package I have, it indicates that it can be used on dogs and cats. Next time they need to say chickens to!

 

[Eggs4Sale]

I wonder if you could put sevin dust AND diatomaceous earth AND sand without dusting out the yard.

Another idea... when they get older, mix in bread crumbs, salt, and corn flakes. Mmmm mmmm, fried chicken!

 

[Sam The Yam]

I am sure that would work........a great combination.

Now, the fried chicken idea..as hot as it is here in Arizona we might just have fried chicken out there but hopefully not if we are all taking good care of them with shade and plenty of water.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Quote:
Yeah, tell me about it! I'm in Yuma.

I'm trying to find a thread that states how high the roost is supposed to be off the ground. I keep reading about bumblefoot and I'm getting quite nervous about it!