Sand Bath?

[nancykay2kay]

I was so excited to put in a sand bath for my peeps. It is half wood ash and half sand . . while they think it is remotely interesting they have not taken a bath or done anything other than walk across it. How do they know to use it for bathing?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They will when they get old enough. How old are yours? I personally only give young birds sand since they tend to eat some of it.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Mine have loved theirs since just a few weeks old. I lighten the sand up with peat moss and they throw it around happily. Didn't do much with just sand.

 

[nancykay2kay]

The peeps are 12 weeks old. They pay little attention to their sandbox. How old are they usually before they use it?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Mine hate using sand and will only do bathes in potting soil.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The peeps are 12 weeks old. They pay little attention to their sandbox. How old are they usually before they use it?

You may try as suggested and add some dryer lighter stuff like peat moss. My little chicks use sand, but by 6-8 weeks they are digging in the dirt making their own dust baths. Sometimes I start a hole for them and they take over.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

my chickens only like our light soil mixed with wood ash. I don't think they'd go for sand.

 

[nancykay2kay]

Thanks for the replies. I will add some potting soil.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks for the replies. I will add some potting soil.

Peat moss, potting mix contains pearlite, you don't want your birds eating that.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

My chciks make attempts to dust bath at just two and three days old,they will do it when they want to.