Sandbox for chicks?

[Bandit]

I have noticed that my chicks (2 weeks old) are taking "baths" in the sawdust and wonder if I should or could put a little sandbox in there for them to take "baths" in. I know the big chickens love to take dust baths but I worry if I put the sand box full of sand in there that the chicks might eat too much sand and get sick or something (my first chicks, I'm such a worrier!) Do you think it's okay?

 

[Break an Egg]

Sure, right now I am using sand for my chicks bedding. It can't hurt to put a shallow pan of sand in there. Put it under the light so it warms up, they will love it!!!!

 

[LarryPQ]

It is fine, they wont eat any more than they need. I keep a pan filled with dirt, sand, DE, and shavings in the brooder. They LOVE it.

 

[Bandit]

Oh good. They need some entertainment, I think. I have seen the Welsummer chicks eyeing the top of the brooder and thinking, "If I could just get a little more height, I bet I could blow this joint and escape!" They haven't QUITE made it but its a good thing there's chicken wire across the top. This will give them something else to do.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

What a great idea! I've noticed mine taking pine shavings dust baths but never thought to go the sand route. They'll love that!
Thanks for sharing the idea!

 

[Retiredtex]

I was wondering the same thing. I put a sand box in the brooder and it seemed like all they did was peck at the sand. So I took it out. Guess I can put it back.