If you build it they will ignore it

[Folly's place]

Mine also make their own dust baths! Under good plants, usually. I've placed rocks (fist sized and larger) around the trees and shrubs next to the coop to save them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chicken's are creatures of habit. They've gotten used to DB-ing in that spot. SO move your new dust bath into that area and set it into the ground. They'll get the idea eventually.

This is what I did, after trying to convince them to pick a spot of my preference. Mine really love a specific corner of the run, so pretty much everything ended up in that general area.

 

[Ms Biddy]

Chicken's are creatures of habit. They've gotten used to DB-ing in that spot. SO move your new dust bath into that area and set it into the ground. They'll get the idea eventually.

The dust bath was placed in the coop before the chickens were so it isn't an issue of them having a favorite spot before. I did sprinkle scratch all around and in it and a few ventured inside. Others treated it like hot lava, jumping over, accidentally stepping one foot inside and leaping away like it was 1,000°!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Well chickens do suffer from the fear that everything is out to eat them. Maybe you should put up a sign next to the dust bath: "Not an oven. Not a crockpot. I promise!"

 

[Patinas]

I think if you dump it out they'll probably say, "Oh wow, look at all this awesome dust! Let's roll in it!"

You're probably right! I should try that!!

 

[Rainbowskyes]

It took about 2 weeks for mine to get to know their new dust bath. I had to lure them in with grubs just to let them know it was a safe area. Now they use it all the time.

 

[Ms Biddy]

I wanted to update this thread to say it all worked out and they learned to love their tire. It took some time but don't they look cute sharing a bath!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Very nice! They look like they're enjoying themselves a lot.