Wood Ash For Mites

[5138bug]

I just read a article on putting a tub of wood ash in the run for chicken to dust in to control mites.
My question is what is being done to keep it dry it could be a problem if I'm away for the day and it rains
and how big a tub for 7 large birds

 

[TalkALittle]

Put it inside the coop if you've got room? Drill some drainage holes in the bottom? Construct a cover for it? It only needs to be big enough to accommodate one bird at a time and be deep enough to hold a decent amount of ash in. Watch your largest bird dustbathe to see how much room it takes and use something that is big enough for that. I use a container meant for patio plants.

 

[5138bug]

Thanks TalkALittle

How deep a plant container are we talking about?

 

[TalkALittle]

Thanks TalkALittle

How deep a plant container are we talking about? 

About this deep.

 

[aart]

......and if you're lucky, they'll actually use it......

Have to laugh, I've set up numerous dust bathing areas....and they always just make their own.
Even in winter when everything frozen outside, they don't use it much.

But also be aware that if you have a infestation of mites already, wood ash is not likely to get rid of them.