The Poultry Keeper

monicalock · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 22 Location: aldershot, hants

i think i read that chooks need a dust bath. is that right, and if so, has anyone got any suggestions? monica Confused

Dopey · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 8:55 pm Post subject:

If they run free they will make their own, mine have dug 2 so far, and i only have 2 hens, but otherwise yes make one, they use it everyday, sometimes twice a day, and you can put your flee powder in it too

debcat · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:28 pm Post subject:

cat litter trays are good for putting in runs
but like Dopey says they'll make thier own if they get they chance

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 783 Location: Sussex

Mine use our greenhouse, in the winter its the only dry soil they can use!

Dusty · Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 628 Location: St. Asaph

Mine have two outside and two in the polytunnel which is about to be made out of bounds. Smile

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they'll make their own if allowed to free range otherwise make one from a box or as suggested a cat litter tray and add red mite and louse powder to it

monicalock · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 22 Location: aldershot, hants

ok - mine are in a run and it's a bit damp so i'll use a cat litter tray, but apart from the powder, what do i put in it?

Dopey · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject:

Earth!!

vanessa · Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 1179 Location: Correze

It doesn't matter if you use earth (and it doesn't have to be specially dry, they'll manage to make it dusty in no time!), or sand (sharp sand or play sand, don't use the yellow builders sand!!)

monicalock · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 22 Location: aldershot, hants

D'oh! and thank you

layla · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 532 Location: West Midlands

mine have made loads in fact everytime you walk in the run ....you take your life in your hands sooooo many pot holes one false move and your down ......i'm sure they are planning something Anxious

miles_sinclair · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 24 Location: Co Durham

Dopey · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:54 pm Post subject:

Builders sand is a bit claggy, that could be the reason, its hold water, as its meant to

CP · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:04 pm Post subject:

...and it can stain white birds yellow! Shocked

miles_sinclair · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 24 Location: Co Durham

Thanks Dopey and CP

Being new and naive, I get worried at the slightest thing.

My "blue" silkie is called Waynetta (slob) for the state she gets herself in.
I removed the yellow sand and put some play sand on top of loose soil and she was almost as black as her mates. Wish I had a camera!

m

si · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 7 Location: bedfordshire

hi, just thought I`d mention that mine love chinchilla bath sand! you can get your petshop to order you a 25kg sack for about £11. I know its not as cheap as earth but lasts me about 8 months, at 3" deep in a cat litter tray. I always add a t spoon of atheletes foot powder and a shake of flea powder!