Show me your dust baths

[aesch]

Hello all. I'm needing a way to keep my girls and Mr. Wattles dust baths from the elements. I've tried a few different designs but nothing works too well. Either they can't stretch all out or the rain and snow ruin the mix. (I use DE, premethrim (might not have spelled that right), ash from my fireplace along with all-purpose sand. Do you have a picture you can show me? Also this is as good excuse as any to shower off your flock.

 

[azygous]

My chickens' favorite dirt bathing spots aren't protected from the elements. But they are in spots that get good drainage and lots of direct sun so they dry out very fast. I've even been trained by my chickens to shovel snow off their favorite bathing station so they can dirt bathe even when the world is covered in snow.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Rain and snow proof, and it was completely free - just had to drag it off the curb from across the road. Fits about 3-4 hens at a time, so the lower ranked birds have to wait their turn.

Obviously they only have access to it on dry days but I find that to be better than trying to keep an open dust bath dry at all times.

 

[aart]

It's under there, behind the ramp,
at least in winter where it's the only dry and thus unfrozen ground,
can be other places in summer.

 

[KnightsMist]

View attachment 2005647

Rain and snow proof, and it was completely free - just had to drag it off the curb from across the road. Fits about 3-4 hens at a time, so the lower ranked birds have to wait their turn.

Obviously they only have access to it on dry days but I find that to be better than trying to keep an open dust bath dry at all times.

This is genious!!! And now I know what to do with my son's sand box when he's done with it!

 

[aesch]

Pretty good ideas. Thank you all so much. I might try to make at least 1 covered bath if we ever get temps above freezing again in my lifetime. You all rock! Appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

 

[aesch]

It's under there, behind the ramp,
at least in winter where it's the only dry and thus unfrozen ground,
can be other places in summer.
View attachment 2007009
What a gorgeous rooster. What type is he?

 

[aart]

What a gorgeous rooster. What type is he?

Black Copper Marans.....with double dubbed comb due to frostbite.

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[Deebot]

View attachment 2005647

Rain and snow proof, and it was completely free - just had to drag it off the curb from across the road. Fits about 3-4 hens at a time, so the lower ranked birds have to wait their turn.

Obviously they only have access to it on dry days but I find that to be better than trying to keep an open dust bath dry at all times.

What an excellent idea. I just went and found an old one locally for a couple bucks. Hopefully they get back to me & I can pick it up. My chickens have been rolling around in the dirt under some rosebushes in the meantime It rains a lot here so having a cover like that would be great since there isn't usually much dry dirt for them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

What an excellent idea. I just went and found an old one locally for a couple bucks. Hopefully they get back to me & I can pick it up.

I had joked about going to a garage sale and bringing one home but around here they show up every so often on the curb with a free sign. Saw mine while walking the dogs, just across the street, 2 doors down, so just carried it home.