Need ideas for a dust bathing area

[HappyClucker7]

I'm trying to think of something I can use to hold sand for a dust bath for my bantams. I have an actual sand box for my standard flock, but I don't need anything that big. I only have 4 bantams. This dust bath would go outside their run, in the garden. It will also need a cover or something so that rain and snow can't get inside. Any ideas?

 

[Boise-girls]

Extra large cat litter box with high sides. I wouldn't get a covered one, though. Maybe shelter it with plywood on cinder blocks or something similar.

 

[Boise-girls]

My banties' favorite dust bath wasn't intended for that purpose - they took over a large terra cotta planter filled with potting soil!

 

[Brooks_]

they took over a large terra cotta planter filled with potting soil!

My standards did that, as well.

 

[Egg Snatcher]

My bantams like to take dust deaths is a tire I put in their run.

 

[Jenessa_096]

I have a old garden bed which is just a wooden square that I filled up with dirt. I have seen people use the litter boxes too!

 

[HappyClucker7]

These are all great ideas! I think I'm going to try either the large litter box or the garden bed. Thank you!

 

[3KillerBs]

I just let my chickens dig dust baths wherever they choose in the run. I can't stop them so I don't try.

 

[HappyClucker7]

I just let my chickens dig dust baths wherever they choose in the run. I can't stop them so I don't try.

The problem is, the earth there isn't loose enough for them to dig their own bath. They've tried, and it really doesn't work.

 

[Cooptown Lady]

Get a one of those plastic storage boxes with lid at Wal-Mart. Not the hard, clear kind, the solid color ones. Red and green ones are sold after Christmas, other colors throughout the year. You can choose the size you want.

Take a knife and cut the bottom out. Set it where you want it, wiggle it into the ground a bit (so you don't lose sand). Fill halfway with sand. Cover with lid to keep rain out.

I put one like this in the run (without the lid). It's too small for my full size hens to use as a dust bath. They like to snuggle together inside it on windy days for a nap.