Wood Ash under Shavings

[skunknchatter]

I use pine shavings in my hen house and was wondering about putting a layer of wood ash under the shavings next time I clean it. I haven't had a lot of problems with mites and lice in the past but I figure better to prevent then wait for an infestation. Any reason I shouldn't put down wood ash? I can always mix in some sand as well to help keep the ash from becoming air born.

 

[papajoe]

Don't see how it would hurt anything, go for it, wood ash is good for dusting too.

 

[skunknchatter]

I use it, mixed with play sand, for dusting rather than DE already and the hens love it. Just wondering if there is any reason not to put it inside with them. Unless there was some compelling reason not to.... I've got a whole stove full of the stuff from burning all winter. I really need to clean it out so into the hen house it goes. Well...as soon as they are finished with their wormer cycle and I clean the coop again.