What kind of dirt/sand to use for dust bath?

[Seth_12]

I need to create a dust bathing area for my chickens. I plan on buying a kiddy pool and fill it up with dirt. The thing is I don't have any dirt available to fill it up so I need to buy the dirt. What kind of dirt is safe for them and something I can buy?

 

[DobieLover]

I need to create a dust bathing area for my chickens. I plan on buying a kiddy pool and fill it up with dirt. The thing is I don't have any dirt available to fill it up so I need to buy the dirt. What kind of dirt is safe for them and something I can buy?

Any bottom shelf top soil is fine. Mine really like peat moss so I mix that in too.

 

[Acre4Me]

A mix is good, bagged soil+ peat moss+ sand + wood ash + sawdust are all good things. Any of these, all of these. But they like light and dusty!

 

[aart]

I need to create a dust bathing area for my chickens. I plan on buying a kiddy pool and fill it up with dirt. The thing is I don't have any dirt available to fill it up so I need to buy the dirt. What kind of dirt is safe for them and something I can buy?

Is their run not on the ground?
Mine just dig their own.

 

[Seth_12]

Their run is on the ground but I have clay soil so it's hard for them to scratch

 

[rosemarythyme]

I use peat moss. Plain, cheapest possible top soil, sand, wood ash are also good options. Combine 'em all if you like or choose from what you can readily source.

 

[britinpa]

I'm going to make one of these for my chicks outdoor space today. I plan on using a mix of topsoil and sand. I have also seen mention of sprinkling in diatomaceous earth - is this necessary?

 

[Gallinarium]

I'm going to make one of these for my chicks outdoor space today. I plan on using a mix of topsoil and sand. I have also seen mention of sprinkling in diatomaceous earth - is this necessary?

No, it's not necessary. A lot of people say it helps against mites, but so does dust bathing itself. And not everyone says it works. Either way, it's optional.

 

[britinpa]

Thank you! - that will save on my shopping bill today

 

[britinpa]

No, it's not necessary. A lot of people say it helps against mites, but so does dust bathing itself. And not everyone says it works. Either way, it's optional.

Also, do I buy play sand or builders sand?