Author Topic: What dust for a dustbath? (Read 2660 times)

Justin · « **on:** August 19, 2015, 09:44:29 pm »

In the view that there's no such thing as a stupid question, what sort of dust should I put in a dustbath for our new chickens?

Fleecewife · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2015, 12:38:26 am »

If you have it, wood ash with a sprinkle of diatomaceous earth (sold for mites etc). Because of the ash it needs to be kept dry. Our hens just dust bath in the ashes of the bonfire where it stands, but ignore it in the rain.

Justin · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2015, 06:56:08 am »

Ah, that's handy, we have two woodburners in the house so not short on wood ash

I'll pick up some diatomaceous earth too. Thanks.

Kimbo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2015, 08:08:42 am »

Agree with Fleecewife but I put about half and half bonfire ash and DE.
Mind you, if your hens are like mine just introduce them to your one and only flower bed and your few little bedding plants and watch how soon they turn that into one big dust bath

Fleecewife · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2015, 11:49:03 am »

Quote from: Kimbo on August 20, 2015, 08:08:42 am

Agree with Fleecewife but I put about half and half bonfire ash and DE.
Mind you, if your hens are like mine just introduce them to your one and only flower bed and your few little bedding plants and watch how soon they turn that into one big dust bath

Or let them get inside the polytunnel in spring

Justin · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2015, 12:24:19 pm »

Girlfriend plans to use them for weeding purposes when the beds are cleared, other than that they're being kept well away from the garden

LeeH · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2015, 03:35:50 pm »

I use play sand, dry earth and diatomaceous in a large plastic tray inside the coop to keep it dry.

Clansman · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2015, 03:52:30 pm »

Wood ash!

Eve · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2015, 04:15:12 pm »

Same as LeeH, all mixed together in a plastic sand pit under cover.

Womble · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2015, 05:44:21 pm »

I think you'll be ok with your setup Justin, but my first attempts to create a covered dustbath ended somewhat interestingly when the cats decided I had built them a luxury outdoor toilet!