When to let chicks dust bathe?

[SundownWaterfowl]

I have 4 buff silkie chicks that are a bit over 2 weeks old, and 3 that are almost 3 weeks old.

When should I put in a little dish of dirt and sand for them to bathe in?

Is 3 weekd too early?

 

[gritsar]

I don't think so. If you don't give them something they're gonna bathe in their shavings anyhow.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I saw them bathing in their shavings. But, they are on non-medicated feed, so I was wondering if it would be okay to give them dirt to bathe in?

 

[debilorrah]

Yep. I just gave mine a bowl of dirt and you would think they had won the lottery. Too funny to watch. And they were bathing in their straw. THAT was funny

 

[SterlingAcres]

All my chickens were in the barn by 3 weeks old and had access to the outdoors since then. I think it's fine, give them some dirt. They'll love you even more.

 

[the simple life]

Mine love it, I bring them outside anyway as long as its not too cold for them and then dig themselves a place to lay in.

Edited to add
Has anyone else ever seen one of their chickens laying in the sun just soaking it up and thought they were dead, or am I just an idiot.

A couple of times when I have been out with them I will look over and they are sprawled out and look dead so I go running over and they open an eye like yeah? what do ya want?

 

[Solsken Farm]

Quote:
Yes and it is so funny!

I try to use the most natural methods of raising my animals as possible. Little chicks go out with their moms almost immediately and do exactly what she does. (except lay eggs, the darn slow pokes)

I find myself now with lots of little ones and it is nippy out so I have moved them to a big booder pen in the coop and they are under the heat lamp in the shavings, hay and a little dirt I brought in, "sunning" themselves. Bless them.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
I haven't seen mine do it, but at the feed store, there was a pullet that I was sure was dead, so I picked it up and it didn't move. Then about 3 seconds later it opened it's eyes and freaked out and flew away. Funny!

 

[coolchickens]

My first hatch and my hens first hatch are just 4 days old now and they go out into the sun everyday with mama and lay in the dirt. It was SO funny, on their 2nd day she took them out with her (an enclosed pen of course) and she took a sun bath, laying out with foot & wing stretched out, then the 2 day old chicks copied her and did the same. I couldn't believe it! I think letting them do it naturally with the hen is the best also and she must thinks it's okay because she heads out everyday, comes in mid-day when its hot and they all nap, then she's back out with the chicks until just before sundown. They all seem very happy & healthy!

 

[chickorama]

I agree! letting them do it with mommy is always best!!!