Keeping a dust bath dry?!

[Ann With A Plan]

I had a canopy set up in my back yard for my gardening supplies. But after the last big storm (which also ripped the side that I still need to repair) I decided to put it in the chicken yard. They liked it, so I put a second one up for them. It keeps the rain out of that area where it pools in the center. And keeps it out of the dust bath (blue kiddy pool).

 

[Chickenman MAN]

I had a canopy set up in my back yard for my gardening supplies. But after the last big storm (which also ripped the side that I still need to repair) I decided to put it in the chicken yard. They liked it, so I put a second one up for them. It keeps the rain out of that area where it pools in the center. And keeps it out of the dust bath (blue kiddy pool).

Love the idea but they are very expensive any cheaper options?

 

[SulkyBantam]

Ooh good idea... is it in a tub with canvas over the top?

We have a big canvas shelter, but for anyone who does not, a tub with a canvas top is a good plan.

 

[Chickenman MAN]

We have a big canvas shelter, but for anyone who does not, a tub with a canvas top is a good plan.

I have had an idea myself... Please tell me if you think it'd work. You get two large 50l plastic storage containers, invert one on the other, screw them together. Then you put the dust bath in there and cut a chicken sized hole with a walk way up (plus holes for ventilation (many)) ?

 

[deidreg]

I got an old rubber tire free from a local automobile tire shop and filled it with dirt. Its in their covered run. Best part--it cost nothing!

 

[SulkyBantam]

I have had an idea myself... Please tell me if you think it'd work. You get two large 50l plastic storage containers, invert one on the other, screw them together. Then you put the dust bath in there and cut a chicken sized hole with a walk way up (plus holes for ventilation (many)) ?

Be sure to introduce it to the chickens, maybe throw in some grain so they scratch around in there and get the hang of it.
Go for it!

Yes lots off vent. holes but make them small.

Try and position it so that sun comes in as much as possible through the opening. Maybe make it a bit larger than your chickens, they don't like to dustbathe in the pitch-black.

 

[3KillerBs]

Can you cobble together some kind of shelter like the one we made for the feeder and waterer?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-feed-and-water-shelter.1426654/

 

[Chickenman MAN]

Be sure to introduce it to the chickens, maybe throw in some grain so they scratch around in there and get the hang of it.
Go for it!

Yes lots off vent. holes but make them small.

Try and position it so that sun comes in as much as possible through the opening. Maybe make it a bit larger than your chickens, they don't like to dustbathe in the pitch-black.

Yeah the box on top will be clear so plenty of light How much ventilation do you think? You said lots, but that is open to the eyes of the maker XD and I haven't kept chooks for long

 

[SulkyBantam]

well, say 10-20 little holes.

 

[Chickenman MAN]

Can you cobble together some kind of shelter like the one we made for the feeder and waterer?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-feed-and-water-shelter.1426654/

Thanks for the idea! We have something like that for our waterer/feeder made from roof felt and pallet wood. It wouldn't do a good enough job sadly the dirt would be wet soon