how do i make a dust bathing area for my chickens

[chickenmama109]

hi i have a flock of 10 1 rooster 9 hens i would like to make them a dust bathing area but what kind of dirt do i need and how do i get them to use it they free range so they can go to it when ever they want they are 8 months old all tips are welcome and thanks to all help

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Get a tire, throw it down near your coop. I'm planning to use a mix of sand and wood ash for my tire... If you use soil, make sure its not potting soil, as most of that has fertilizer in it.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

Tire

construction sand and wood ash...The Diatomaceous Earth is perfect for riding your chickens from pests. You can frame it with pressure treated 4x4's or I have actually used railroad ties.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

I have peat moss dirt and sand. The sand was damp so I added some horse bedding pellets to dry things up. They like it but I think they would like it more if it was in the sun.

 

[sbhkma]

Do not use DE in the dust bath. It's not good for them (or you) to breathe. I took a big kittie litter box and put sand in it from my paddock mixed with some dark dirt from a spot we had to clear out to build a tractor shed and some wood ash from our burn pile. I only put it in the run on days they don't get out, as they have several "favorite" dust bathing spots, including one that's big enough for a chicken pile. It honestly looks like something came along and decimated my flock the way they all flop and lay in the dirt together!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Well, I personally hate DE for many reasons and don't suggest it for anything chicken related.. Also don't think it's perfect for riding them of pest, seen too many post where it simply does NOT work well enough. And what I wonder is... OK I will agree that DE has some impact on bugs. But most people say only a little bit added to your dirt bath... is that enough to be effective on the so called bugs or only making the DE user FEEL like they are getting better protection?

Only thing I do is turn over a shovel of dirt and the birds handle the rest. Sometimes they will bathe out in the open. But I find they like to be up against a wall or fence.

As much as I like the idea of using up old tires... sorry too many carcinogens for me to include for my chickens to hang out in and possibly peck at for a short while every day.

My girls go crazy for gopher hole dirt. if you are where it gets freezing then you might consider a plastic tub of some sort, not sure concrete mixing tubs are any better, but they seem vaguely better... or a short rubbermaid tub, a kiddie pool... yes, I like the kiddie pool idea since it's made for children to play in *shouldn't* be too toxic.

 

[meetthebubus]

This is how/where mine bathe

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

Do not use DE in the dust bath. It's not good for them (or you) to breathe. I took a big kittie litter box and put sand in it from my paddock mixed with some dark dirt from a spot we had to clear out to build a tractor shed and some wood ash from our burn pile. I only put it in the run on days they don't get out, as they have several "favorite" dust bathing spots, including one that's big enough for a chicken pile. It honestly looks like something came along and decimated my flock the way they all flop and lay in the dirt together!

Good to know. My neighbor has been using it for years. he uses 70% sand 20% DE and 10% wood ash.

 

[PennyM]

This is how/where mine bathe

Lucky you, having that nice dusty dirt! I have hard, red clay. I have to laugh, when I first saw my chickens do this in the deep litter/compost, I thought that that they were sick or dying!

 

[chickenmama109]

so i can use peat moss dirt i think i might can get a tire to use and some wood ashs