What's best to give chickens to dust bath in?

[cornishannie]

My chickens love to roll in my compost as it's soft and fine but im planting stuff in them so don't want them digging it up! Is there something else I can buy like sand or something? They've made a giant hole in their pen so I can put stuff in it for them!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Fine sand, wood ashes, lime and sulfur.

 

[Blackberry18]

My chickens love to roll in my compost as it's soft and fine but im planting stuff in them so don't want them digging it up! Is there something else I can buy like sand or something? They've made a giant hole in their pen so I can put stuff in it for them!

Mine love fine sand and loamy soil.

 

[cornishannie]

Thank you! Didn't realise they could literally bathe in all different things. Ideal I'll get that sorted

 

[papajoe]

Quick add on question, has anyone used charcoal ash as a dusting agent? My wood ash will only be available in the winter but we grill year round.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I wouldn't use it. I would worry about fats and other things dripping from meat and sauce getting stuck to feathers.

 

[papajoe]

Good point, didn't consider the drippings, I'll just get some DE and be safe..thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

DE can cause some respiratory issues.
Old timers used wood ash, lime and sulfur for the lice and mites.

 

[ChickenMammX4]

Mine like ash from the fireplace. It's amazing how after a "bath" they can shake off the ash and look so shine and clean.

 

[SilkieNation]

Mine like ash from the fireplace. It's amazing how after a "bath" they can shake off the ash and look so shine and clean.



I've been wondering about wood ash. I use some from the fireplace, but wonder about the paper ash, as I use lot of paper to get the fire going. I'm thinking about the residuals from the dyes and other things in paper. Anybody have any thoughts on this?