Fireplace ashes for dustbathing

[OlympicChick]

My husband burns regular firewood, but also cardboard, paper and receipts in our fireplace. Does it matter if the ashes are not all from wood?

 

[R2elk]

My husband burns regular firewood, but also cardboard, paper and receipts in our fireplace. Does it matter if the ashes are not all from wood?

Cardboard and paper products are produced from wood.

 

[Peppercorngal]

We burned a pile of brush last year and the ashes are the chickens favorite for dust bathing. The first time I saw them after doing it scared me though. Their combs were edged with black and I thought at first they were suffering from lack of circulation. Once I realized the feathers were sorta black too and saw one in the ashes I relaxed! Fooled me!

 

[R2elk]

We burned a pile of brush last year and the ashes are the chickens favorite for dust bathing. The first time I saw them after doing it scared me though. Their combs were edged with black and I thought at first they were suffering from lack of circulation. Once I realized the feathers were sorta black too and saw one in the ashes I relaxed! Fooled me!

When I empty the ashes from my pellet stove, I dump them in the dust bathing holes the poultry have dug. The ashes never last long.

 

[OlympicChick]

Cardboard and paper products are produced from wood.

Lol, you're right, I was definitely not being Captain Obvious

 

[OlympicChick]

Cool, so i don't have to mix it with anything then? I had been told to mix it with DE, but I'd rather just use it as is, on top of the dirt.

 

[R2elk]

Cool, so i don't have to mix it with anything then? I had been told to mix it with DE, but I'd rather just use it as is, on top of the dirt.

I just use the ashes. DE can be harmful to the respiratory system so I would never advise using DE.

 

[OlympicChick]

That's what I thought! Thank you for the common sense.