Need to create a dust bath.

[BoCRon]

My run is 10’x20 and the ground is mostly stall mats around the perimeter. The chickens also get out to scratch around in the yard outside but we have to be extra vigilant as we are in the mountains with so many predators. I was going to create a dust bath for them to use on the days they can’t safely be let out. I see many people use an old tire, but as I don’t have one of those around I was thinking of buying a big rubber feeder tub from TSC and use that. There are 2 that I’m looking at, one is 22 inches across and 6 inches deep the other is 26 inches across and 14 inches deep. My plan was to drill multiple holes in the bottom to allow for drainage if it gets rained on. The run is covered but not totally so I’m sure the bath will get wet. I was planning on filling the bath with play sand and ashes from the fireplace.
Does this seem like a viable option?

 

[AmesAcres]

I would think the smaller one should work depending on the size of your flock!

 

[igorsMistress]

The bigger tub is better in my opinion. Some of the holes for bathing get pretty deep. My flock never used the sand, they prefer good old fashioned dirt.

 

[BoCRon]

Thanks for the quick replies. I live in Georgia so any dirt I dig up from my property will be Georgia red clay. So I’m sure I will need to add to it to create a dustier option. What would y’all add, if anything? I can buy peat moss or whatever would work.
Oh, and my flock is 10 birds.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Honestly, I would go buy one of those cheap little kiddie pools and use that.

 

[darkbaysfordays]

I'm sure you could go to any car place and get an old tire for cheap or free. Where I live, people stupidly dump them on the sides of dirt roads and things too so might be worth taking a drive to find one! That being said, I keep all my tires and make horse jumps

 

[David61]

I cut an old 33gal garbage off. When I rains a lot in the cooler months there's not much dust as the ground is damp.