What to add to a dust bath???

[Chick3nLover]

I’ve read so many different things, but what do y’all suggest?

I will be adding DE but what else? What sand is best? All purpose, river, play?

Which dirt is best as well? I know chickens have a fragile respiratory system so I’m hesitant to use anything ultra fine.

Thanks y’all!

 

[DobieLover]

I will be adding DE but what else?

This should be the LAST thing you would add. It is a respiratory irritant and does not do all the things it's purported to do.

Just plain dry cheap dirt is best.

 

[Chick3nLover]

This should be the LAST thing you would add. It is a respiratory irritant and does not do all the things it's purported to do.

Just plain dry cheap dirt is best.

Okay thank you. Why is DE bad? If not DE would First Saturday Lime be better?

 

[DobieLover]

Okay thank you. Why is DE bad? If not DE would First Saturday Lime be better?

It's bad because it is a respiratory irritant. I wouldn't use lime either.
Just dirt. Dry dirt. That's all they need. They will dig holes in it themselves. As long as it's dry, they will do the rest.

 

[Chick3nLover]

It's bad because it is a respiratory irritant. I wouldn't use lime either.
Just dirt. Dry dirt. That's all they need. They will dig holes in it themselves. As long as it's dry, they will do the rest.

Okay, thank you for explaining, I’ve heard some many mixed opinions on DE, it crazy how controversial chicken care can be.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Dry, plain dirt is really all they need. If that's in short supply for some reason, plain peat moss or plain top soil work as well. Some sand or wood ash can be added as a mix in, though I believe ash can be caustic if wet.

 

[triciayoung]

I agree with @DobieLover. And...chickens really don't like sand as much as just plain dirt.

 

[picklestheduck]

I just use plain peat moss and my birds love it to death.

 

[bhaugh]

I use compost from the nursery that I buy in bags. Organic only. When it’s all used up I give it to my trees and refill the pen

 

[David61]

I used a mix of peat moss, dry powdery dirt (find it in a pole barn, lean-to, any roof covered dirt floor. If you know how to not use not use to much, white ash from burt wood.