Just a couple quick ones....

[Vikinglike]

1) I have built a dust bath, 4’x4’, does it need a bottom?
2) I have fenced off a 24’x24’ area for them.... half is mowed short. Do they like tall grass, or should I mow the remainder?

My 13 girls are 12 weeks old, and just starting to step out side...
Thanks!!

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

The dust bath does not need a floor. I would leave half the grass tall, they will appreciate it when they grow up a little

 

[jthornton]

When they are done there won't be a blade of grass left.

JT

 

[rosemarythyme]

When they are done there won't be a blade of grass left.

^ This. But until that point I would leave it long, chickens really like the feeling of cover it provides and it'll let seed heads develop for them to nibble on.

For the dust bath, you don't NEED a bottom however it's actually not a bad idea if your location gets a lot of rain. I couldn't ever keep my dust bath dry so the chickens didn't like using it. Once I had a fully enclosed bath area (a kid's plastic sandbox with lid) it stays dry and they love it.

 

[Cryss]

I use a tire filled with sand. Rain simply drains through. However I'm thinking of building a roof over it to keep it dry. It's been monsoons here in New Jersey.