Is charred wood okay?

[TalkALittle]

So I went and added some fireplace ashes to a corner of my run. There were quite a few charred bits included. I've noticed that one or two of the ladies must be eating them as evidenced by the black poop I've found on the poop board. The wood wasn't treated. Just plain old firewood. It's not going to do anything to them, right?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Oh it is very good for them- all that stuff has minerals and is very natural/healthy. Dust bathing in the ashes will help keep mites away too, if you can keep it dry for them by having it under a shelter. I have an old firepit I dump my ashes into so as to have no danger from sparks. They visit it when they wish and then when it gets too full I spread it around the fruit trees/garden.

 

[TalkALittle]

Thanks for setting my mind at ease. I knew they would benefit from bathing in the ashes. The black poop just got me worried that one or two of them was eating too much of the coals.

I'll share an embarrasing ash story. I had a moment of panic then had to laugh at myself when I realized the grey comb I mistook for a sign of poor circulation was actually just ash stuck to the Vaseline I'd put on to prevent frostbite.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thanks for setting my mind at ease. I knew they would benefit from bathing in the ashes. The black poop just got me worried that one or two of them was eating too much of the coals.

I'll share an embarrasing ash story. I had a moment of panic then had to laugh at myself when I realized the grey comb I mistook for a sign of poor circulation was actually just ash stuck to the Vaseline I'd put on to prevent frostbite.

You are welcome! I wouldn't worry about them eating too much. Mine have free access to charcoal all the time and never overconsume as far as I can tell.

Sometimes I look out and see a Black Australorp in the yard that looks gray. Then she does a big shake of her feathers and the ash dust blows off, and I say, oh that is what that was.