How to get chickens to use new dust bath area?

[UneggspectedChickenLady]

We live in a very dusty and rocky area, and where our chickens like to dust bathe was pretty rough. So my sweet husband built this beautiful large box for them, filled it with sand and First Saturday Lime, and even put rounded 2x4s on the edges so they could roost around it. YET! Other than going in to pick out some dried herbs, they refuse to use it. They’ll now dust bathe around it, but not in one big group like they used to and not using this lovely setup that is better for them. Any advice or suggestions on how to change this situation???

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Plant something in it. Preferably your favorite flowers. Bonus if they’re poisonous. Works every time.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

We live in a very dusty and rocky area, and where our chickens like to dust bathe was pretty rough. So my sweet husband built this beautiful large box for them, filled it with sand and First Saturday Lime, and even put rounded 2x4s on the edges so they could roost around it. YET! Other than going in to pick out some dried herbs, they refuse to use it. They’ll now dust bathe around it, but not in one big group like they used to and not using this lovely setup that is better for them. Any advice or suggestions on how to change this situation???

Maybe they’d also like some dirt, not straight sand? Perhaps you could try several bags of the cheapest topsoil you can find. Just be sure no pesticides, herbicides, etc.

 

[UneggspectedChickenLady]

Maybe they’d also like some dirt, not straight sand? Perhaps you could try several bags of the cheapest topsoil you can find. Just be sure no pesticides, herbicides, etc.

I was thinking about adding a layer of dirt - thank you for the confirmation that I wasn’t being silly.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I was thinking about adding a layer of dirt - thank you for the confirmation that I wasn’t being silly.

Mine use a combo and seem to enjoy it. The Easter Egger in particular vanishes in a cloud of brown when she shakes off afterwards!

One of the really nice things about having dirt in there is for hot weather: give the dust bath area a good long soaking with a hose in the morning, and they can use it to cool off in the heat of the afternoon.

 

[UneggspectedChickenLady]

Mine use a combo and seem to enjoy it. The Easter Egger in particular vanishes in a cloud of brown when she shakes off afterwards!

One of the really nice things about having dirt in there is for hot weather: give the dust bath area a good long soaking with a hose in the morning, and they can use it to cool off in the heat of the afternoon.

That sounds absolutely fabulous! We will give it a try. Thank you!

 

[saysfaa]

Try adding water. I noticed they really like damp places.