what kind of mess to expect indoor coop dust bath?

[Newbydoo]

I ordered a bag of dust bath from home hardware cause I feel bad they are kicking around in their shavings where they poop, I know they don't care but would prefer getting them the proper stuff. I live in the city so my backyard dirt is not what I want in our house right now. I will give it to them in a tub that will be at the bottom of their enclosure but I'm wondering how much of that dirt will end up on our floor and in the air, should I set it up in an enclosed box?

 

[Mother of Chaos]

I ordered a bag of dust bath from home hardware cause I feel bad they are kicking around in their shavings where they poop, I know they don't care but would prefer getting them the proper stuff. I live in the city so my backyard dirt is not what I want in our house right now. I will give it to them in a tub that will be at the bottom of their enclosure but I'm wondering how much of that dirt will end up on our floor and in the air, should I set it up in an enclosed box?

When you say “our floor”, do you mean that the chickens are living inside your home?

If they are outside in a well-ventilated run, the tub should be fine. And you don’t have to pay extra for dust bath material - a mixture of sand and topsoil (both available in bags) will work fine.

And do be aware that the most anxiously-prepared dust bath prepared by you, the Human, will probably be ignored by your chickens, because as always, chickens gonna chicken.

 

[Newbydoo]

Correct the coop is in my home, They will be going to my inlaws flock soon enough, was actually supposed to be a while ago but hubby decided they were gonna die so we kept them a little longer (I think he's attached) so until we bring them I want to give them a good experience while they are here and figured they need a dust bath. pictured is the 4x5x2 - 3 level coop we just built for them. The dust bath will be at bottom. and if they ignore it like you mentioned... it will be the last time I try to be nice ... probably not lol

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Correct the coop is in my home, They will be going to my inlaws flock soon enough, was actually supposed to be a while ago but hubby decided they were gonna die so we kept them a little longer (I think he's attached) so until we bring them I want to give them a good experience while they are here and figured they need a dust bath. pictured is the 4x5x2 - 3 level coop we just built for them. The dust bath will be at bottom. and if they ignore it like you mentioned... it will be the last time I try to be nice ... probably not lol

Since this is your situation, you can try using a plant mister on the dust bath, but I’m guessing that you’ll just need to be prepared for the dust.

But dust bathing (dirt bathing) is very important for chickens. It’s a way of keeping their feathers clean and shedding parasites, but it’s also a very important means of social bonding, which is a big part of healthy flock behavior.

Edit to add: that’s a beautiful setup for the girls while things get ready for their Big Move! You and your husband are giving a lot of love to these gals.

 

[Three Stents]

I can not imagine the dust in your home, plus the smell.........you have hardware cloth? Who are the predators?

 

[The Moonshiner]

Is hardware cloth only used for predator protection? Can't it be just something that keeps the birds in?

 

[Newbydoo]

Since this is your situation, you can try using a plant mister on the dust bath, but I’m guessing that you’ll just need to be prepared for the dust.

But dust bathing (dirt bathing) is very important for chickens. It’s a way of keeping their feathers clean and shedding parasites, but it’s also a very important means of social bonding, which is a big part of healthy flock behavior.

Edit to add: that’s a beautiful setup for the girls while things get ready for their Big Move! You and your husband are giving a lot of love to these gals.

Thank you hubby Loved to be the Supervisor during the construction, he did cut and assemble the large pieces and gave me some commentaries which I of course didn't listen to cause well you know after 35 yrs of marriage we both have our selective hearing on . and he only looks at them that's it. I do Everything else lol I'm still learning about everything

 

[Newbydoo]

I can not imagine the dust in your home, plus the smell.........you have hardware cloth? Who are the predators?

My dog.. lol

 

[Newbydoo]

Is hardware cloth only used for predator protection? Can't it be just something that keeps the birds in?

the hardware cloth is to keep them in yes

 

[Newbydoo]

Since this is your situation, you can try using a plant mister on the dust bath, but I’m guessing that you’ll just need to be prepared for the dust.

But dust bathing (dirt bathing) is very important for chickens. It’s a way of keeping their feathers clean and shedding parasites, but it’s also a very important means of social bonding, which is a big part of healthy flock behavior.

Edit to add: that’s a beautiful setup for the girls while things get ready for their Big Move! You and your husband are giving a lot of love to these gals.

that's why I was wondering if I put a hole in a tote and place a lid on top if that would keep the dust in a little more, the way they kick the shavings around is hilarious but sand is another story lol