Dust baths

[Lucylou]

Can anyone tell me if I can use the ash from my wood burner in the chooks dustbath?

I've not had to give my chooks a separate dust bath before as they made their own in the dirt but here there isn't enough dry earth yet for them to do that. I've got a nice big plant tray for the purpose & have read sand mixed with wood ash is a good medium but not sure if the ash is safe.

What does everyone else use in the dust bath?

 

[KittyKat]

My lot dust bathe in wood ash as I turn it out into the flower beds. It shouldn't affect them, but I doubt it is particularly effective for the purpose.

 

[Marigold]

How deep is the tray you intend to use? A dustbath needs to be at least 15-18 ins deep, to allow for 6 ins minimum of sand or other material in the bottom, leaving sides of at least 9-12 ins above this. The hens really get in and root and scratch around, and then get up and shake their feathers vigorously, and if the bath is shallow all the contents are easily spilled and wasted. A big deep plastic box is good. I use an upturned base to an old water butt, which is circukar so has room for two in the jacuzzi!
Woodash is OK but very dusty. When they shake it off the dust goes everywhere and they breathe it in, not good for them - or you. You could mix a smaller amount in with some dry earth, or with children's play sand. This is fine silver sand, clean and free flowing and easy to obtain. I get a bag or two from Homebase and it lasts a long time. If the bag you get is wet inside, you may need to dry it off first.

 

[chrismahon]

We only put about 10% maximum of wood ash (potash) in a dust bath Lucylou, because as Marigold says breathing in the dust isn't good for them. It is very good at killing lice and has some effect on red mite as well. We just throw ours under the coop where the bathe in the dry soil. Funny thing though they actually prefer the bath to be slightly damp here -I think it's because the soil sets so hard when dry.

 

[Lucylou]

Does that mean builders sand isn't any good?
I've read that a good mix is 2/3 sand to 1/3 ash but it didn't say what sort of sand. I've also read that mixing in a bit of earth or potting compost is ok too. Any thoughts?

I'd better re-think the container as its only about 5" deep, I was looking at the overall size. About how large do you think it should be?

 

[Lucylou]

Just read your post Chris about 10% Thanks

 

[Marigold]

Builders sand isn't harmful but it may stain their feathers orange. Play sand is the softest and cleanest, and easy to buy and use in take-home 10 kilo bags. I would think about a minimum of 18" across for the dustbath. If you happen to have an old spare plastic dustbin you could cut it down and use the base.

 

[BabyBantam]

I use a plastic garden trug with a mix of dry earth, play sand and wood ash. I also chick in some diatom and lice powder. I find it works well in all seasons other than hot summer as it seems to stay slightly damp. Summer makes it too dusty though, so spray it with a little water. I also sieve it with a cat litter shovel thing, which removes poo and feathers etc once a week.

 

[chrismahon]

Builders sand contains a lot of natural salts Lucylou, so I wouldn't advise using it. Obviously I have never experimented, but have used washed sand which is building sand with the salts washed out. We used to use kiln dried sand for rearing chicks on after 2 weeks or so -that's the stuff they brush into the gaps of block paving. We sieved that out regularly- cheaper than wood shavings. Kids play sand has to be the best to use in a soil bath though.

 

[mum of 4]

I have used an old car tyre! I cut off the rim so it is now just a straight circle of rubber. They love dust bathing in it and don't make too much mess as it is so deep. I keep it topped up with old compost - once the plants in the green house have finished I tip the pot into the dust bath. They love kicking it around and finding any left over grubs. Once it as been scratched at lots it is broken down ready for their bath!

 

[rick]

Mine have a bendy bucket with a mix of silver sand (play sand), diatom (just a bit) and molehill which is dryish on a sunny day and has interesting bits in.