Man made dust bath

[PageMossFarm]

Hi guys,

I’ve got a dust bath in the run ready for the hens as the ground has wire mesh and weed membrane under so they won’t be able to dig a natural one.
In this wet weather, what should I use in the bath? I could dig some dirt but it is pretty much mud at the moment... Any ideas using material that I can buy from a shop?

Many thanks!

 

[Marigold]

Try play sand or silver sand, get a couple of bags from the nearest DIY or garden store. It may come damp in the bag if it’s been stored out of doors. Truly loving keepers sometimes dry it out in trays in the oven, but you can just put it in the dust bath and give it a stir every day until it dries out naturally. It’s unlikely new hens will want to jump in and use it immediately, they’re likely to dig around and bathe in the Aubiose or whatever you have for floor bedding and ignore the dustbath.
When will your girls arrive? Be aware that you need to get them ASAP now if they are to have time to come into lay by October. If left until the end of September onwards, they may not lay until the new year as light levels will decrease too much to stimulate their hormones. This is good in that they will have 2-3 months more to grow on steadily over the winter, but is a bit frustrating nevertheless.

 

[PageMossFarm]

We’re getting them next Sunday ?
I’ll get some play sand this week, thanks for the advice!

 

[Marigold]

We’re getting them next Sunday ?

HOORAY! Waiting for the pics .....