Indoor dust bath

[KoriAndBocboc]

I have two 3 month old Small Bantom chickens. They live in my apartment with me. I have been noticing BocBoc trying to dust bath in her food. So I think I need to provide them with a dust bath station. I'm not sure how to set it up
Where should I put it, what should I put in it, and what else do I need to know about indoor dust bathing?

 

[azygous]

Chickens, even baby chicks, need to dust bathe to condition their skin and feathers. Just as important, dust bathing is a prime social bonding activity and it enhances a chicken's sense of well being.

The size of the dust bath is determined by the number of chickens you have and their size. Baby chicks can make do with a small dish of sand or peat moss while adult chickens would need a bowl or pan large enough for at least two chickens at a time.

Since it will be indoors, a less dusty medium like sand might be best or you can mix peat moss with sand. Or you can go outdoors and dig up some natural soil if it's fine and dry.

 

[KoriAndBocboc]

I can pick up some play sand from the store and put it in a container for them. Thanks!

 

[Perris]

I use a plastic box with a lid, usually lives outdoors but has been inside when necessary. I usually have a mix of sharp (builder's) sand, bonfire ashes, and fine soil in it.

Apart from the bits they fling out while bathing, be prepared for them to shake themselves after they've got out of whatever container you use. Mine typically leave a sort of dust shadow below where they were standing at the time; placing it on an easy to sweep floor is recommended.

 

[GoosesGeeses]

My quail and bantams love dustbathing in dry dirt, sand, and fire ashes. Just make sure that the enclosure has closed walls around it and the water and food are on the opposite side of the run. They will get it EVERYWHERE!