Newbie with lots of questions

[Tattie]

Can i use Garden and Poultry dust around the coop and in a dust bath area for preventative measures against lice and mites. We don't have any issues right now (that i know of) but i figured good prevention would be easier than trying to battle a problem once it's out of control. Also, should i be setting up a dust bath area for them. If so, what would that look like? Right now they just use the dirt and saw dust in the barn.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you don't have a problem, I wouldn't use it in the dust bath. In one building I have a big plastic cement mixing tub for a dust bath. It is filled with a little soil, sand, wood ashes and lime.
The other birds have various dust bathing areas around the place.

 

[KYTinpusher]

I use either the gray plastic bus tubs (you can find these at Sam's Club, GFS, or other restaurant supply) or the cement mixing tubs for their dust baths. I use a mix of equal amounts sand, peat and woodash. The girls love it! Use a container big enough for at least 2-3 chickens as they love to make dust bathing a group activity.

 

[aart]

If you don't have a problem, I wouldn't use it in the dust bath. In one building I have a big plastic cement mixing tub for a dust bath. It is filled with a little soil, sand, wood ashes and lime.
The other birds have various dust bathing areas around the place.

Ditto Dat^^^

Using chemicals when they are not needed can make them ineffective when you DO need them.