wood ash?

[FlyWheel]

Note to Mods: I wasn't sure where to best post it so it is also in Coop & Run. If this is a no-no please feel free to delete the extra thread. Thanks.

I'm making a dust bath in my run because the floor is wire netting so they cannot make their own. I've heard that wood ash is a good additive, but where would I get some? Is it sold anywhere? I know I could always burn some wood to make my own but I really would rather not, as my IPF has made me rather leery about exposing myself to the smoke.

 

[Acre4Me]

Note to Mods: I wasn't sure where to best post it so it is also in Coop & Run. If this is a no-no please feel free to delete the extra thread. Thanks.

I'm making a dust bath in my run because the floor is wire netting so they cannot make their own. I've heard that wood ash is a good additive, but where would I get some? Is it sold anywhere? I know I could always burn some wood to make my own but I really would rather not, as my IPF has made me rather leery about exposing myself to the smoke.

Just ask friends that have wood stoves, fireplaces, fire pits for their ash. If you know anyone that works at a restaurant that has wood fired items, they may also be a source. But, yes, burning wood or paper is the best way to get the ash!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Not experienced with chickens, but isn't wood ash caustic and can damage skin and eyes?
In the past they made soap from wood-ash lye…

 

[Acre4Me]

Not experienced with chickens, but isn't wood ash caustic and can damage skin and eyes?
In the past they made soap from wood-ash lye…

By itself, yes it would be a problem. But mixed into the general dust bath should be just fine!

 

[Jandsloch]

Not sure if this will help or if this is actually true ash however I bought this from tsc for 21.99 40lb’s and plan on mixing with playsand for a dust bath.

 

[Acre4Me]

Not sure if this will help or if this is actually true ash however I bought this from tsc for 21.99 40lb’s and plan on mixing with playsand for a dust bath.

DE is ok to use in a dust bath, but be aware that is is terrible for respiratory systems, including human respiratory systems. However, you can add it, along with other things so the bath isn’t primarily DE. You can add coarse sand (paver sand, construction sand), peat moss, sawdust, very fine wood shavings (sold in some farm stores), and some loose dirt. We did this and it stays pretty loose and “dusty” even after a rain.

 

[Jandsloch]

DE is ok to use in a dust bath, but be aware that is is terrible for respiratory systems, including human respiratory systems. However, you can add it, along with other things so the bath isn’t primarily DE. You can add coarse sand (paver sand, construction sand), peat moss, sawdust, very fine wood shavings (sold in some farm stores), and some loose dirt. We did this and it stays pretty loose and “dusty” even after a rain.

That’s why I was sure to add we were mixing it but I suppose I should have said why lol