what can i buy or use for dust bath in winter?

[chickmama1662]

We opened a container of peat moss outside on the ground and my chicks loved it. Does anyone know of a reason not to use peat moss (other than the cost)? Thanks.

 

[LindsayB]

My chickens have a certain area in the run that they love to use...they dig a massive hole there almost daily and roll around in it. I just mix up dirt, ashes and some sevin dust. They seem to like it

 

[Imp]

Quote:
I don't think there is any problem using peat moss. I have read that some peat moss is treated with anti mold and fungus stuff, and some is dyed. I don't know if it's true, but you may want to read the label, if that would concern you.

Imp

And, if it does get moldy, might be a good idea to not use it.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

A lot of chickens do love dust bathing in peat moss. The fasted way to get my chickens to take over either a flower bed or a planter and destroy it, is to add peat moss to the soil.

I always have one dust bath under cover to keep it dry, because we get a lot of rain here. they can't dust bathe in mud. Mine don't dust bathe much in the winter, but I think that has to do with there being no external parasites in their environment, with the freezing temperatures. They still like to mess around in it sometimes, though. Just for fun.

 

[Tracydr]

Quote:
I use the general use sand at HD, it's pretty cheap and they use it. My property is clay and I wouldn't have a place for dust bathing otherwise. I add DE but don't have a source of ashes because wood burning isn't allowed in our city, although our neighbors burn a chimney so I may ask them for some.
I also use the concrete mixing tub.

 

[aoxa]

Quote:
I use the general use sand at HD, it's pretty cheap and they use it. My property is clay and I wouldn't have a place for dust bathing otherwise. I add DE but don't have a source of ashes because wood burning isn't allowed in our city, although our neighbors burn a chimney so I may ask them for some.
I also use the concrete mixing tub.

I just put it in a bigger area and NOTHING. They are ticking me off! I want them to dust bathe for cleanliness, but they won't!

Would mixing wood ash in with play sand and DE work? Would the ash make them want to use it more?

 

[Tracydr]

Quote:
I use the general use sand at HD, it's pretty cheap and they use it. My property is clay and I wouldn't have a place for dust bathing otherwise. I add DE but don't have a source of ashes because wood burning isn't allowed in our city, although our neighbors burn a chimney so I may ask them for some.
I also use the concrete mixing tub.

I just put it in a bigger area and NOTHING. They are ticking me off! I want them to dust bathe for cleanliness, but they won't!

Would mixing wood ash in with play sand and DE work? Would the ash make them want to use it more?

Chickens are suspicious by nature. Give them a week or two to check it out. They might be afraid of it.

 

[loanwizard]

I just cleaned out my brooder today and spread the mix of shavings, feed and crap out in front of the coop which has been muddy, but this morning was frozen (17 degrees). They went nuts playing in it.

 

[Beekissed]

Tracy, you have to put that kind of stuff where you DON'T want them to get into it...and then they will find it and get into it all by themselves!

You made it much too easy....

 

[Hey...Girrrl's]

I use a small plastic swimming pool in my run. The pool has holes drilled in the bottom for water to run out. With winter here, I have moved the pool under the half of the run that is covered. I have 2 bags of top soil, 3 bags of sand, a bunch of peat moss from the bag, and DE. They love it. Even with cold temps, 21 tonight they will still get in the pool. I just went out today and added more peat moss and DE. My kids joke that they are having a pool party. I took this picture today. The pool is in the back. I hope I added it correctly.