Would my babies like a dust bath?

[SparkMonkey]

We got our chicks yesterday! Nine little week-old peepers. They seem pretty robust--nice clean eyes and butts, big voices and appetites.

I put a fireplace log, a stick, and a piece of scrap wood in there for them to perch and climb on, and they seem to be very happy about that. They're also doing a lot of digging and fluffing in their pine bedding, so I think they might like a dust bath too (the brooder is huge, so there's plenty of room even with all the "toys"). I've got a flowerpot plate that would probably be a good size. What should I put in it? On hand, I've got some potting soil leftover from last year, a bag of compost, some hardwood ashes from the fireplace, and I could always just dig up some dirt from the yard. Thanks for your input!

 

[PrairieChickens]

If you have the room, sure thing, put in a dust bath for them. It will have the added benefit of giving them grit as well, which will help them digest any treats you give them.

I'd avoid potting soil because of the chemicals that are sometimes in it, but a scoop of dirt from your yard should be sufficient. For added awesomeness, you can put it under the heat lamp so the dirt is nice and warm.

Personally, my favorite material to give them for dust baths is sand, but it's not a "have to". Dirt will work.