Winter Dust Baths

[WhatAboutBob?]

What about the ash from a charcoal grill? Anything wrong with that?

 

[PirateGirl]

What about the ash from a charcoal grill? Anything wrong with that?

I'm pretty sure it has to be wood ash.

 

[aart]

I used to use wood ash but this Flock has respiratory disease...Sand, dirt, works just as well...

Agrees...thinks the ash might be more of a risk than a help.

What about the ash from a charcoal grill? Anything wrong with that?

Nah, think it contains petroleum products.

 

[WhatAboutBob?]

Agrees...thinks the ash might be more of a risk than a help.

Nah, think it contains petroleum products.

That makes sense now! Time for a bonfire.

 

[pennyJo1960]

we have a trash burner in the house burn wood more than anything they get that but the coop floor is dirt so whole all over the coop where they do their dust baths

 

[cavemanrich]

That makes sense now! Time for a bonfire.

Just don't try to outdo me.

 

[Treerooted]

With deep litter they use the bedding as dust bath so no need to add anything new. The litter keeps warm enough in the winter it doesn't freeze or anything.

But otherwise I think all the other suggestions are good

 

[Katherine Robertson]

Get garden or potting soil(not the fertilizer enhanced type) and load it up dry into tub/pot/ container. My chickens just luv using my flower pots (large) in early spring when they get access to them. Later they dig holes and also like to use my firepit. (when not burning)
And above all....

Mmmm fire roasted chicken hehehehe! Great ideas though! I heard ash is really good for bug control. My silkies are magnets for bugs

 

[chickmom3941]

Hello, fellow Minnesotan! We built what looks like a kid's sand box (with wood sides) in their winter pen, and filled it with very dry dirt, sand, and wood ash from the wood stove, and mixed it all together. We put it right in front of the full-length lexan (sp-?) windows so they can dust bathe in the sun all winter long. It's a huge hit with the ladies, and they don't mind bathing for all the world to see!

 

[Snoozeys]

While i use wood ash from the fire place i also have a 44 gallon drum that i burn all the small pieces of wood i find laying around !!