mites and bad things

[Pjchicks]

I was told to put ashes from fireplace and Diatomatous Earth in coop for dust bath to get bugs away.
I am still learning every day this has been my first year with chickens and just want happy healthy chicken.
Thanks
Patti

 

[Percheron chick]

Any dirt is going to be beneficial. It needs to be dry fluffy dirt that they can work through their feathers down to the skin. I know lots of people put DE out for dust bathing but it's not good for them to breath or get into their eyes so I think you can do more damage than good by letting them roll around in it.