trouble with dust baths.

[cluckin tractor]

i need a way of getting rid of the lice etc without as much incectiside.

i have a dust bath about 30-40 cm but dosent seem to work. it is about 20cm deep and i havent yet seen any signs of dust bathing.
the dust is quite fine and is the same stuff they dust bath in when they are free ranging.
are there any other alternatives or do i need to get a bigger dust bath.
i would like to see some pictures.

thanks

 

[SassyKat6181]

I sprinkle my coop with DE. The girls dig holes in the floor of the coop and bathe in that. I haven't had a problem yet. There are many posts about DE on here, you can read them and make your own decision.

 

[cluckin tractor]

i just have trouble with getting them to dust bath in the tub i provided

 

[tammyd57]

Try throwing a handful of cracked corn on top of the dust in the tub. Maybe that will encourage them to get in there and start scratching around. Once in there scratching around they might notice that it's a good spot for a dust bath.

 

[booker81]

What about putting the DE/whatever you're using for mites in the dust bath areas in the yard they ARE using? Sprinkle it down, and let 'em loose?

 

[bantams in Maine]

My bantams enjoy their dust bath in the sun. Is your dust bath inside the coop in a sunny location? That might make a difference.

 

[cluckin tractor]

how big does it have to be.

mines 30-35 roughly

 

[BooBear]

Oh you would be surprised at how many hens will squeeze into the same small spot to dust bathe in. Especially when it is THE favorite spot.

Once you figure out the favorite spot sprinkle DE in it.

I like to use the mix formula I read about that the chickies just love:
1 part dirt (regular yard type)
1 part sand
some ash (I use the charcoal ash from the grill)
some DE

Mix together and either pour into favorite spot or pour into tub to be used for dust bathing.

My friend told me that charcoal also acts as a wormer when they eat it. I did not know this, but apparently it is an old timer remedy type thing. I just know that the chickies love this mix.

If you do have an out break of mites or lice then substitute sevens dust for the DE. The reason is that DE is a good preventative; however, when actual break out happens you need the sevens dust to actually knock out the pests.

 

[greenSearcher]

I would hesitate to use charcoal ash from the grill unless it is plain wood charcoal ash that had no petroleum starter or additive. Bagged briquettes are not good for them. I use the charcoal from our woodstove, burned oak or mesquite here. Collect and save the charcoal for the garden all winter.

The measurements are metric so 30 x40 is really too small unless they are all bantams. I have baths in their yards, with a mix of soil, wood ash, sand. They get tired of it after awhile, I am thinking to add more sandy dirt and DE and rake it up good so it is full and fluffy again. I am not about to put what compost I have in there when it is spring planting time. They make a bee-line to the freshly compost mulched beds for bathing (Not yet planted) when let out of their yards. The bath boxes are the size of small sand boxes, 2 are wooden frames made from 2x4"s and the third is a small round plastic kiddie pool. The wood frames are preferred, they are 65x100 cm (2x3 ft) that can hold a couple birds at the same time. I have noted that bathing is often a communal activity.

 

[rancher hicks]

What I like to do is sprinkle DE (food grade) in the coop when i clean. I change the nest boxes often (hay) and sprinkle DE in there also. I dust the roosts as this is where mites like to hide. I also throw some DE in the dust "bowls" they make in the yard. Some times I throw some on them too.

It wouldn't be over kill to dust each bird at bed time. Make sure you get the legs and vent area. Some vaseline on the legs and feet will help prevent leg mites too. You could also paint the roosts with some mineral oil.

This should be a regular thing to prevent major infestations.

Hope all is cootie less

Rancher